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Chief Electoral Officer-- average polling percentage in the State in the Assembly Elections held on 30th January, 2012, is 78.67%

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 31.

Ms Kusumjit Sidhu, Chief Electoral Officer, has stated that as per the information received from the districts, the average polling percentage in the State in the Assembly Elections held on 30th January, 2012, is 78.67%. While Amritsar (West) has recorded the lowest voter turnout of 57.59%, Guru Har Sahai has reported the highest turnout of 89.88%, followed by Gidderbaha with 88.73%. Constituency and Polling Station-wise details are awaited, which will be available by 01.02.2012.
It was further stated that a repoll is likely to held in Polling Station no. 76 of 18-Amritsar (east) constituency. The repoll will be held on 02.02.2012 from 8 AM to 5 PM.
As per the latest instructions of the Election Commission, the various static surveillance teams and flying squads of the Income Tax Department and State Excise Deptt, for the purpose of election, have been directed to be disbanded, except in Amritsar (East) Constituency, where a repoll is to be held on 02.02.2012.
Liquor will be prohibited within the polling area of the polling booth from 5 PM today to the end of poll on 02.02.2012.
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Mr. Nath Singh Buttar Deputy Director in the Punjab Information & Public Relations Department today retired on superannuation after putting in 38 years of distinguished services.
Lauding the services of Mr. Buttar, Director Information & Public Relations Punjab Mr. D.S. Mangat described him an outstanding officer who always discharged his duties with utmost dedication, sincerity, honesty and professional commitment.
On the occasion, Mr. Nath Singh was given a warm send off by the Punjab Public Relations Officers' Association.
Prominent amongst others who attended the farewell party including Additional Director (Admn.) Mr. Gurwaryam Singh, Additional Director Dr. Senu Dugal and Joint Director Mr. Opinder Singh Lamba …......

3 SICs RETIRED
Chandigarh January 31: Mr. PPS Gill , Mr. Kulbir Singh and Mrs. Ravi Singh, all three State Information Commissioners have got retired after completion of their five years term from January 24,2012.

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2 DEPUTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF POLICE DISMISSED
Chandigarh January 31:
The Punjab Government has ordered the dismissal of Two PPS officers namely Mr. Parminder Singh , DSP ( Direct) and Mr. Bhupinder Singh, DSP No. 28/FR after their convictions by Special Judge Hoshiarpur on 19-9-2011 and District and Sessions Judge Faridkot on 30-9-2009 respectively. Both the officers had been dismissed from the service of the Government of Punjab w.e.f. 14-12-2011.
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PUNJAB RECORDS 76.63 PERCENT VOTE IN ASSEMBLY ELECTION

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 30:
The Punjab polling today concluded peacefully with state recording 76.63 poll percentage till the reports reaching here by now. It was exceeded last assembly poll percentage marginally that was 75.47 percent.

CEO THANKS PEOPLE OF PUNJAB FOR ENSURING RELATIVELY PEACEFUL AND INCIDENT FREE POLL

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 30: The Punjab Chief Electoral Officer Ms. Kusumjit Sidhu, today thanked the people of Punjab for their overwhelming participation in the election process and keeping the elections relatively incident free.

Addressing the media Ms. Sidhu said that according to the initial estimates sent by various districts poll percentage in Punjab may cross 75% and she was hopeful that it would surpass last Vidhan Sabha poll percentage of 75.47%. She said that people, political parties and candidates at large have cooperated with the Election Commission. The polling process in the state was relatively incident free. She said that up to 4pm, nine FIRs were registered in various districts relating to minor scuffles between rival groups and one media person was assaulted in Nabha by a political worker. She said that one old lady, who had come to cast the vote collapsed in the polling station due to natural reasons and according to the late evening reports one person has died in an incident of firing in Ferozepur Rural and two others were injured. Details of the incident were awaited, she added.

Ms. Sidhu said that according to the initial reports there were no booth capturing and according to the initial reports prima facie she doesnot find any reason for re-poll but decision would be taken after seeking final reports from the ROs. She said that six TV channels including Aaj Tak, Star News, Zee News, PTC, Times Now and NDTV and three news papers including Ajit, Dainik Jagran and Jag Bani have been issued notice for violating code of conduct on poll day. She said that on a complaint the Media Monitoring Committee monitored the content of PTC coverage and found that it was interviewing more SAD-BJP leaders than opposition and a final decision would be taken by ECI.
Thanking various departments including the Police, the Excise and Taxation, the income Tax, the Information Technology ,NIC and others for their cooperation to complete this Herculean task of polling smoothly. She also thanked the media both print and electronic for cooperating with the election commission and disseminating the message of election commission to the public.

NOTE--Exact poll percentage would be E-mailed to you as and when received from the 117 constituencies.

: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today congratulated the people of Punjab for reposing and reaffirming their faith in democracy by participating in the elections in large numbers in a peaceful manner. Predicting a clear Congress victory, he said, party was set to cross the 70 seats this time.

He also hailed the Election Commission of India for conducting free and fair elections in the state.
Maintaining that the Congress was set and certain to get more than 70 seats in the elections, he said, the very fact that people voted in overwhelming numbers all across the state is a clear indication that people were upset with the Akali-BJP government and they came out to vote against the government’s misrule and non-performance.
He stated that the feedback from across Punjab had suggested that the party was all set to form the government in the state after the results are declared. He remarked, “we are confident that people have reposed faith in us and the results are likely to go beyond our expectations”.
Capt Amarinder also congratulated the Chief Election Commissioner of India Mr SY Qureshi and the Chief Electoral Officer Punjab, Ms Kusumjit Sidhu for the conduct of free and fair poll in the state against all odds.

Chandigarh, 30.01.2012 – Aaj Tak, Star News & Z News has been telecasting today frivolous opinion poll indicating victory of Congress, penal discussions were also being held and conclusion were benign drawn, opinion formed and extra-ordinary edge of Congress over SAD-BJP was being shown in these opinion polls on the voting day of elections in Punjab. Similarly, TIMES NOW TV Channel was showing that DERA SACHA SAUDA has announced support to Congress on the polling day. Similarly Times Now TV Channel has been showing that DERA SACHA SAUDA has announced support to Congress on the polling day. Likewise NDTV India was continuously showing the bytes of President of PPCC showing DERA SACHA SAUDA’s support to Congress on the polling day. There seems to be tacit nexus between these channels & Congress for the reasons best known to them which is not only brought a blot on the Fourth Estate but has also caused a great resentment in Punjab. It is a well known fact no officials declaration by the DERA in support of any party has been issued, yet TIMES TODAY & NDTV India was showing its support to Congress on the polling day with the object to misguide the voters and unduly influence in favour of Congress.

Taking cognizance of TV telecast by these channel in utter violation of the ECI instructions, Shiromani Akali Dal had approached the Chief Election Commission of India and the Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab for issuance of direction to the Aaj Tak, Star News, Z News, NDTV India & Times Now TV channels to immediately stop telecasting opinion poll on the day of polling, as at the time of filing the complaint only 10% voting had taken place, and requested the ECI/CEO, Punjab for registration of FIRS against all these channels in all 117 constituencies in Punjab as was done in the case of NDTV during last Assembly Elections.
In pursuance of these complaints lodged by Shiromani Akali Dal Chief Electoral of Punjab has issued notices to the Aaj Tak, Star News, Z News, NDTV India & Times Now TV channels and has directed them to clarify their position within 24 hours, so that Commission could take final decision in this regards. This was disclosed by the President of the Legal Wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal in a statement issued from the Head Office of the Shiromani Akai Dal.

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On poll eve Capt Amarinder asks 7 questions to Mr Badal

CHANDIGARH, January 29: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today asked seven questions to the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal saying people of Punjab wanted to know the answers since he was seeking a fifth term as the Chief Minister.

The questions related to his burning the copies of the Constitution of India in 1984 and promoting extremism and provoking youth, his immense wealth, claims about development, accepting money for the construction of the Satluj-Yamuna Link Canal (SYL), his investments in Haryana and abroad, dual constitution of Akali Dal and breaking and splitting Punjab into pieces for vested interests.

Capt Amarinder asked Mr Badal as why his party SAD had two constitutions one for the SGPC elections, where it claims itself to be a panthic party, and another for the parliamentary and assembly elections in which it claims itself to be secular party. He asked, does it not amount to political deceit saying something at one place and a different thing at a different place according to their convenience.
He asked Mr Badal as why did he burn the copies of the Constitution of India in New Delhi in May 1984 and whether he had any regrets about that and what is the guarantee that he doesn’t do it again if it suits and serves his vested political interests particularly after losing power.
Capt Amarinder Singh asked Mr Badal whether he had any regrets about breaking Punjab into small pieces just for one petty reason that the Akali Dal should be able to form government in Punjab so that he becomes the Chief Minister and in the process giving away precious resources and land.
He told Mr Badal that he had been raising hue and cry about discrimination with Punjab over water sharing with Haryana and whether it was not a fact that he as the Chief Minister of Punjab had accepted Rs two crores from Chaudhary Devi Lal the then Chief Minister of Haryana for the construction of Satluj Yamuna Link Canal in Punjab. He asked, when he had himself accepted the money from Mr Devi Lal what moral authority or right he had to set up morcha for saving Punjab waters.
In the same context, he asked Mr Badal, as why had he made all his investments in Haryana only and nothing in Punjab. He pointed out, his farm houses and two super-luxury seven star hotels worth Rs 4000 crores were located in Gurgaon, Haryana and not in Punjab.
The farmer Chief Minister asked Mr Badal what magic wand did he wave that he accumulated such huge wealth that includes fleet of vehicles, television channels, two super luxury seven star hotels in Gurgaon, an airlines company in the name of Orbit Aviation and hidden assets within and outside the country.
About development claims, he asked Mr Badal had there been any development in the state people should be better off and not poorer. “You have left state poorer by seven lakh families more during the last five years of your rule”, he told Mr Badal, while asking, “is that what you call development?”

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The Punjab State is going to polls on 30th January 2012 for all the 117 assembly constituencies. The general information pertaining to the state is as follows:

The Punjab State is going to polls on 30th January 2012 for all the 117 assembly constituencies. The general information pertaining to the state is as follows:

No. of Districts

22

Total ACs

117

Largest AC (PS no.wise)

Name

No. of PS

31-Nakodar

238

Largest AC electorate wise

Name

No. of electors

66-Gill

194331

Smallest AC electorate wise

Name

No. of electors

56-Amloh

113952

Candidates

Candidates Male

Candidates Female

Candidates Total

985

93

1078

No. of ACs having more than 16 candidates

0

No. and Name of AC

No. of Male Candidates

No. of Female Candidates

No. of Total Candidates

AC with max. no. of candidates

60-Ludhiana East

16

0

16

79-Jalalabad

14

2

16

110-Patiala Rural

13

3

16

AC with min. no. of candidates

20-Attari (SC)

4

0

4

AC with max. no. of Female candidate

89-Jaitu

5

4

9

Partywise no. of candidates

Name of political Parties

Male

Female

Total

Independent

372

45

417

Bahujan Samaj Party

111

6

117

Indian National Congress

106

11

117

Shiromani Akali Dal

84

10

94

Punjab People's Party

89

3

92

Shiromani Akali Dal (Amritsar)(Simranjit Singh Mann)

55

2

57

Lok Jan Shakti Party

21

5

26

Bharatiya Janata Party

20

3

23

Bahujan Samaj Party (Ambedkar)

16

1

17

Communist Party of India

13

1

14

Shivsena

12

1

13

Nationalist Congress Party

13

0

13

Bharatiya Gaon Taj Dal

10

0

10

Communist Party of India (Marxist)

9

0

9

Democratic Bharatiya Samaj Party

7

1

8

Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation)

7

0

7

Bharatiya Rashtravadi Samanta Party

5

1

6

Bahujan Shakti

6

0

6

SARVAJAN SAMAJ PARTY (D)

5

0

5

Bhartiya Chaitanya Party

3

0

3

Akhil Bharatiya Shivsena Rashtrawadi

2

0

2

Bahujan Sangharsh Party (Kanshiram)

1

1

2

Bharatiya Samajwadi Vikas Party

2

0

2

Punjab Labour Party

2

0

2

RASHTRIYA VIKLANG PARTY

1

1

2

Akhil Rashtrawadi Party

2

0

2

Janral Samaj Party

2

0

2

Adarsh Jan Shakti Party

1

0

1

All India Kisan Mazdoor Morcha

1

0

1

All India Shiromani Baba Jiwan Singh Mazhabi Dal

1

0

1

Bharti Jan Suraksha Party

1

0

1

Democratic Congress Party

1

0

1

Mool Bharati (S) Party

1

0

1

Rashtriya Janata Dal

0

1

1

Rashtriya Sahara Party

1

0

1

Socialist Party (Lohia)

1

0

1

Rashtriya Bahujan Congress Party

1

0

1

Total

985

93

1078

Electors

Male

Female

Others

Total

General Electors

9322545

8361014

0

17683559

Service Electors

60362

21893

0

82255

Total Electors

9382907

8382907

0

17765814

Total Number of Poll Employees (Civil and Police)

86382

48909

Total No. of Polling Stations which go to Polls tommorrow

Main- 19724, Aux-117, Total =19841

No. of Hypersensitive polling stations

2718

No. of Sensitive Polling stations

6379

No. of General Observer deployed

55

No. of Police Observers deployed

27

No. of Expenditure Observer deployed

43

No. of Expenditure Assistant Observer deployed

136

No. of Micro Observer deployed

7638

No. of Video Cameras deployed

2627

No. of Digital still Cameras deployed

554

No. of polling station using live Web-casting

203

No. of vulnerable hamlets

2591

No. of vulnerable voters identified

130624

Percentage of electors issued EPIC

99.77%

Percentage of PER

99.68%

Total Number of Licensed Arms

307477

Numbers of Arms Deposited

205515

Number of NBWs against accused persons executed after announcement of elections

8982

No. of Bonds taken under section 107 CrPC

6488

Total no. of police personnel on poll duty

73199

Candidate Security:

For 117 Vidhan Sabha Constituencies, 1078 candidates are in the fray. They have been provided security as per following norm:

Candidates of Recognized party:

3 PSOs

Independent candidates

2 PSOs

Mobilization of force:

In order to ensure peaceful and fair polls, the following force is being deployed:

Punjab Police

55804 persons

C.P.M.F and State Police Force

225 coys

Of other states

12 coys.

Total

70972 Jawans

The forces which have come from outside are from J& K, H.P., Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Andhra pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujrat, Kerala, Nagaland, Karnataka and West Bengal.

Communication Plan:

The whole state has been divided into 1722 Beats and these beats have been named as Sectors. Each of these sectors will be under a Sector Incharge deployed by the District Election Officer and he will be assisted by a Patrolling party consisting of 01 HC and 03 Constables.

As per the communication plan, 1503 additional wireless sets of 25 Watts and 2865 wireless walki- talki sets have been provided to the patrolling staff. For better co-ordination, Mobile numbers of all Sector Incharges have been taken.

A new SMS based information system has been prepared and installed by National Information & Science Centre through which the State Command Centre and the Districts will get direct messages from these parties.

Nakas & Flying Squads:

On the day of Poll, there will be 374 nakas all over the state to check the movement of anti social elements.

In addition to this, there will be 137 nakas on the state boundaries to check the movement of un-scrupulous elements.

The adjoining states of Rajasthan, J&K, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh will also be putting nakas on all the entry and exit points leading towards Punjab State.

On the day of Poll, 117 flying squad teams will also operate in the state.

Counting centers:

There are 56 counting centers in the state of Punjab. These counting centers will be guarded by the jawans of P.M.Fs. till 6th of March 2012 i.e. the day of counting However, outer cordon will be manned by Punjab Police

Recoveries:

During the period of elections, the following recoveries have been effected by Punjab Police and P.M.F.:

Cash-

Rs. 33,66,00,000/-

Poppy husk

2641 Kgs

Opium

99 Kgs

Heroin

23.05 K.gs

Smack

3.793 Kgs

Drug Powder

18 Kgs

Lahan

227588 Kgs.

Illicit Liquor

31947 Ltrs

Capsules

88296

Tablets

952675

.

Syrup

4362 Bottles

Country Liquor

697106 bottles

Arms

71

P.Os arrested

275

Persons bound down

6784

Arms Depostis:

In Punjab a total of 213352 weapons have been deposited which is about 80% ot the total licensed weapons in the state.

Observers:

The Election Commission of India has appointed 125 general, expenditure and Police Observers to monitor the elections in Punjab. There telephone numbers have already been widely circulated.

Budget:

An amount of Rs. 27.69 crores has been allocated to various Districts of Punjab for conducting these elections.

Total Complaints

2830

File

2005

Pending

825

Paid News Cases

300

Cases Registered

596

Important Phone No. of the Officers of the O/o Chief Elctoral Officer and Divisional Commissioners

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Think before you vote, Capt Amarinder appeals people of Punjab

CHANDIGARH, January 29: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today appealed to the voters of Punjab to vote carefully and cautiously to ensure that the state got a good and clean government which is not corrupt and which does not resort to vendetta.

He questioned the claims of the Akali-BJP government about the development saying had it really been so the state would not have added seven lakh more families living below poverty line, would not have a cumulative debt of Rs 1.72 lakh crores and there won’t be 47 lakh people, almost one fifth of the total population, unemployed.

At the same time Capt Amarinder added, “yes the Badal family and their close relatives have really made immense progress themselves by multiplying their wealth, constructing two seven star luxury hotels in Gurgaon worth Rs 4000 crores, set up an airline company Orbit Aviation, a fleet of transport buses in the name of Orbit Transport and Dabwali Transport, PTC news and entertainment television channels, liquor vends and sand mining”.
In an appeal to the people of Punjab on the eve of elections, Capt Amarinder urged them to compare the performance of the Akali-BJP government during 2007 to 2012 with that of the Congress between 2002 and 207. “Think before you vote”, he said, while adding, “ask yourself whether any of the promises made by the Akali-BJP alliance has been kept”.
He pointed out, for the first time in the history of the state, seven lakh more families had been declared living below the poverty line in addition to the 13 lakh already existing. He asked, “does more poverty mean development for them?”
The PPC President referred to Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal’s claims about producing surplus power by the year 2010 and even now the industry was facing three days’ power cuts in a week. He appealed people not to get misled by his hoax promises once again. “Earlier he wanted three years and he has already got five and now he is claiming power sufficiency by 2014”, he pointed out.
The former Chief Minister also referred to the bullet trains and skyscrapers being shown in the advertisements. “Do you believe that these bullet trains and the skyscrapers are really in Punjab?” he asked while telling people think how they were being fooled all these years. “Selling the Japanese and Manhattan dreams in Punjab cannot be a substitute for real development”, he remarked.
Referring to the law and order situation he said, no road and no street in Punjab was safe. He pointed out, chains and purses were snatched every day, banks were robbed in broad day light and vehicles were snatched at gunpoint.
He appealed people that if they want peace, progress and development they must vote for the Congress. “You have tried us between 2002 and 2007 and the Akali-BJP between 2007 and 2012”, he appealed to people were asking them, “make the right choice, make the right judgment as everything is before you”.

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Congress takes strong exception to Akali ad

CHANDIGARH, January 29: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee took strong exception to the advertisement issued in various Punjabi newspapers today by the Shiromani Akali Dal led by Mr Parkash Singh Badal, in the name of Sant Samaj and Damdami Taksal, invoking people to vote in the name of religion.
In a complaint filed with the Election Commission of India, the PCC sought action against those who had got the advertisement inserted in the newspapers as it violated several provisions of the election code of conduct. It also appealed to the newspapers not to accept such provocative advertisements as these can lead to vitiating the peaceful atmosphere in the state.
The party brought to the notice of the commission that the advertisement had actually been issued by the SAD-B and the name of the Sant Samaj and the Damdami Taksal was merely used in the process. The party urged the commission to book the SAD president Mr Sukhbir Badal for violating the election code of conduct as also instigating people to violence and also seeking votes in the name of religion.
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Predicting a landslide victory for Congress in Punjab, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today said, party was tipped to win over 75 seats in the elections scheduled to be held on Monday. He said, a sweeping Congress wave had already built up in that is certain to uproot the Akali-BJP alliance government from the state.
Wrapping up his election campaign after addressing massive public meetings at Lambi, Nihal Singh Wala, Goniana Mandi (Bathinda), Talwandi Sabo and Rampura Phul today, Capt Amarinder said, there was a massive groundswell in support of Congress and it was being reflected across the state .

Addressing a strong crowd of over 20,000 people at Lambi, an assembly segment long represented by the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal, from where he is trying his luck once again, the PCC President said, the overflowing crowds in the stadium today must have already declared their verdict in favour of the Congress candidate Mahesh Inder Singh Badal.
Appealing people to vote for the Congress candidate Mahesh Inder, he said, he was a gentleman with a neat and clean image unlike the other Badals. Asking them to give him a chance this time, he said, “you have given so many chances to Parkash Singh Badal and try this man now, who is honest, clean and reliable”. He expressed confidence that with such a huge gathering which had come in support of Mahesh Inder Singh Badal, it was clear that he was going to win this time.
Spelling out his agenda, he said, the top most priority of his government will be to create job avenues for about 47 lakh unemployed people in the state. He said, government cannot recruit so many people and for that the state needs to create an industry and investment friendly atmosphere which will lead to creation of jobs.

Questioning the development claims of the Akali-BJP government, Capt Amarinder said, the bullet trains they were showing in the advertisements were actually from Japan and the skyscrapers from Manhattan in the US. Besides, he asked, “does development mean adding seven lakh more families to an already existing 13 lakh families living below poverty line?”
At Talwandi Sabo, the PCC President told another strong crowd of about 20,000 people to ensure the victory of the party candidate Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu. He said, Jeet Mohinder was like his son and promised that once he is elected by the people he will be inducted into the government.
He said, people had suffered a lot during the last five years. He said, while the common masses had faced poor governance and maladministration, the Congress workers had suffered the atrocities, excesses and vendetta at the hands of the Akali goons. He promised that each and every case of vendetta will be cancelled, thoroughly probed and the guilty punished.
At Rampura Phul there was an unprecedented number of people who had come out to listen to him. While the Old Grain Market, called Patiala Mandi, was crammed to capacity, people had gone up to the rooftops to have a glimpse of Capt Amarinder and to listen to his speech. He promised the people that once they elect Gurpreet Kangar for the third term he will make him a minister.
He announced that for the first time in the history of the country crop insurance had been introduced in Punjab which will secure the crops of the farmers from unforeseen calamities. He said, the earlier practice of ordering girdawaris which hardly led to any aid to the farmers.
-----Shiromani Akali Dal

ALLIANCE SEEKS REPEAT MENDATE TO COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT VISION OF BADAL

LAMBI SET TO CREATE HISTORY FOR MAN OF MASSES PARKASH SINGH BADAL

Lambi, January 28

Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance today sought repeat mandate to honour the spotless statesman Mr. Parkash Singh Badal, the Chief Minister with six decade political life, with another term, so that he could complete his development vision for Punjab. Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal President Shiromani Akali Dal and Mr. Rajnath Singh former President Bhartiya Janta party today said that electorate of Lambi is fortunate enough to create history by putting a stamp of approval on the leadership of S. Parkash Singh Badal, a statesman politician who has endeared himself with public with path breaking pro people initiatives.
Winding up election campaign of S. Parkash Singh Badal, Baba Harnam Singh, Jathedar Damdami Taksal and President Sant Samaj, Mr. Rajnath Singh, former President Bhatiya Janta Party, INLD Supremo Mr. Om Parkash Chautala, Mr. Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, President BKU and Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, President Shiromani Akali Dal today gave a clarion call to the people to exercise their choice in favour of a man of the masses, who had devoted his entire life to the people of Punjab.
Describing Mr. Parkash Singh Badal as one of the politician having biggest national stature, Mr. Rajnath Singh said that he is the Parkash Singh Badal who has been playing the historic role of defending the interests of Punjab and it is the matter of proud for Lambi to have such a leader who repeatedly went to jails to safe guards the interest of state in general and nation at whole. Chautala and Rajnath both lauded the historic role played by Mr. Badal to curb the emergency imposed on nation by then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi.
Addressing the Jam-Packed rally, the SAD President said that it was Parkash Singh Badal who has made Lambi most developed village of country with top class infrastructure. He said that Parkash Singh Badal man of masses would go down in history as a grass root leader who knew the pulse of people and tailor made policies according to the requirements of masses. He said that the concept of Sangat Darshan startedby S. Parkash singh Badal is the basic form of democratic institution of gram swaraj in which Chief Minister himself sanctionsthe plans and disburses the funds according to the local needs of every village.
He said that similarly the Atta Dal scheme feeding the 20 lakh families of Punjab with subsidied ration was path breaking step by the Punjab government that even Sonia Gandhi was forced to copy in her so called food security bill. He said that the statesman politician mingles in the public enjoys their companionship and becomes part of every village. He said that the Shagun scheme started by S. Parkash Singh Badal was the novel step by any government that facilitated the marriage of poor girls and free education to girls and free bicycles to girls has shown to the country that how the benefit of policies can be taken to the masses in a systematic manner.
Calling upon people to become part of history to re-elect S. Parkash singh Badal so that by electing him Chief Minister for the fifth time Lambi could come inguiness book of records whose resident became a Chief Minister of the state forfive times. He said that we the people of Punjab owe our gratitude to this statesman politician and it would be the fitting retirement gift for Parkash singh Badal.
Giving a call to dumb arrogant Maharaja into the dustbin of history Mr. Badal said that let people of state show to the world that Punjab is a democratic state and there was no place for Maharja and Raja to rule from palaces.

Photo Caption

28PSBadal1

Man of Masses….
MR. parkash Singh Badal, Patron Shiromani Akali Dal and Chief Minister Punjab addressing a historic rally on the concluding day of his election campaign at Lambi.

Regards,
Harmeet Singh Dhillon

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Ask Badals how their wealth went into orbit; Capt Amarinder tells people

SAMANA (PATIALA), January 27:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today told the people of Punjab to ask the Badal family as how come it accumulated huge wealth from Orbit Transport, Orbit Resorts to Orbit Aviation besides several television channels.

He also announced that once Food Security Act comes into effect people will get aata for Re one per kg. Besides, he said, the monthly cable charges will be brought down to Rs 100 per month against Rs 300 to Rs 400 charged by the Badal owned Fastways. He also reiterated that the farmers will get free power and that too for 12 hours a day as had already been promised in the Election Manifesto.

Addressing a massive rally in support of the party candidate Mr Raninder Singh Tikku here today, he said, the only thing the Badals had done during these five years was open loot of state resources and accumulation of private wealth. He said, with the PTC and Fastway they were earning Rs one crore a day. Besides, he added, they did not leave even the sand and liquor either.

Capt Amarinder recalled his long association with Samana and its people dating back to five decades. He pointed out, it was this association and attachment between the people and the family that they stayed back for seven years to wait and listen to him.

Lashing out at the Akali-BJP government, he pointed out, it had failed at all fronts particularly about the employment. He said, 25 per cent population of the state was unemployed as there were no investments. “What to speak of new investment, even 900 existing units have already moved out”, he said, while adding, this will naturally lead to unemployment. This, he said, was only because the government could not provide the required facility to the industry particularly power.

The PCC President said, the Congress government will restore the 200 units free power to dailts and poor which was stopped by the Akali-BJP government. Besides, he announced that a dedicated fund will be kept for the shagun scheme and old age pension.

Senior party leader and CWC member Mr Jagmeet Brar lashed out at the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for resorting to rampant corruption. He pointed out, how they had looted the state transport by getting 400 bus permits while circumventing the law.

He disclosed that there was a secret understanding between Gurdas Badal and Parkash Singh Badal with Gurdas getting hospitalized under a proper plan to facilitate senior Badal’s victory from Lambi assembly segment.

Minister of State for External Affairs Ms Pernet Kaur and Mr Raninder Singh also spoke on the occasion and urged people to vote for Congress for a better, prosperous and progressive Punjab.
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Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee expell Dinesh Dhall

CHANDIGARH, January 27: Dinesh Dhall, who is contesting as a rebel candidate from Jallandhar North has been expelled from the primary membership of the party.

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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 27:

The Election Commission of India today allowed the political parties to put up tents beyond 200 meters of polling station that would have only one table and two chairs. Disclosing this here today, Mrs. Usha R Sharma, Special Chief Electoral Officer Punjab, said that to check anti-social elements and goondas’ manning such booths, it has been decided that the person nominated for the booth by the political parties shall be voter in the same polling station and would have an EPIC, that should be shown to observers and the Sector Magistrate on demand.

She said that it has been decided that elected MPs and MLAs of poll going parliamentary and assembly constituencies would not be asked to leave their constituencies during state assembly election even if he/she is not elector. There however, such MPs and MLAs would not be allowed to carry out campaign in the constituency after the campaign period is over. She said that MLAs would stay in their own constituencies and would not visit another assembly segments.
Cautioning the media persons covering the assembly election not to reveal the secrecy of voting while covering the election, Mrs. Sharma said that any violation of this would invite imprisonment term that could extend up to 3 months or fine or both.
She added that instructions have already been issued regarding prohibition of sale of liquor or distribution of liquor in a hotel, eating joints, tavern, shops or any other place, public or private within the polling area after the campaign is over. She said that instructions have been issued to declare these days as dry days; this would also include the date of re-poll, if any. The storage of liquor by individuals would be curtailed during the above period and restrictions provided in the Excise Law on storage of liquor in unlicensed premises would be strictly enforced.

She said that new instructions have been issued to all polling stations regarding identification of Absentee, Shifted and duplicate voters. She said that each presiding officer would be provided lists of these category of voters and if any elector, who was in such list wants to cast his vote he would have to produce EPIC or any alternative photo document to be personally verified by Presiding Officer. She said that such electors would have to put their thumb impression, in addition to their signature in 17-A whether he/she is illiterate or literate.
Taking note of the political activities of Govt. emloyees, CEO has shifted Akbar Ali BDPO Nabha to Rajpura with an additional charge of Nabha and Parmpal Kaur BDPO Mansa to Head quarter Mohali. Besides that Ajmer Singh Panchayat Sectretary Moga-2 has been transferred to Jalalabad and Harsh Mehta Lecturer Sanskrit Govt. S.S.School Talwara to Zira.
She said that unaccounted cash worth Rs. 329772679 has been referred to the IT Department out of which 12.01 crores have been finally seized. Other things such as Poppy husk-2636 Kg., Illicit liquor-16523414 ml.,country wine bottles-512424, opium- 10489 gms., heroine-6357gms.smack-2506gms., Lahan-161281 kg. have also been seized so far from different places in the state. Besides that, 209686 licensed arms have been got deposited and 68 unlicensed arms and 248 ammunition/cartridges have been seized. As many as 9044 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 6621 persons bound down under sections107 /116.
The commission has received 2700 complaints of violations of model code of conduct out of which 1850 have been resolved
------

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CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 27

The ECI has notifies the period between 7 am on January 28 i.e. the first day of poll in Manipur and 5.30 pm on March 3, 2012 i.e.the last day of loll in Goa and Uttar Pradesh as the period during which conducting any exit poll or disseminating in any manner whatsoever, the result of any exit poll in connection with the current General Assembly elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Manipur, Punjab, Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Goa, would be prohibited.
Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of CEO Punjab clarified that displaying any election matter including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey in any electronic media would be prohibited during the period of 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for conclusion of poll in every phase.

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Capt Amarinder promises good education, healthcare for all

BHADAUR (BARNALA), January 27: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today promised that the Congress government in the state will ensure primary education and healthcare for all the people particularly those who cannot afford it. He revealed that a recent study conducted by the Punjabi University Patiala had found that only five per cent of the students opting for higher studies were from the government schools.

Addressing public rallies in support of Mohammad Sidique in Bhaduar, Kewal Dhillon at Barnala and Aman Arora in Sunam today, he pointed out, still a large chunk of population could not afford to send their children to public schools and they were dependent on the government schools only. He said, hence it was very important to ensure that the standard of education in the government schools is improved and brought at a par with that of the public schools so that those who cannot afford hefty fee can also get good education.

Similarly, he pointed out, there was no proper medical care available for the poor. Moreover, in the Malwa region cancer had spread in an alarming proportion and the Akali-BJP government had not done anything for the problem. He said, people had to take a train to Bikaner called, ‘Cancer Express’ for treatment. He promised to set up super-specialty three cancer hospitals in Malwa region.

The former Chief Minister questioned the development claims of the Akali-BJP government and asked it to show where it is. He pointed out, the bullet train and the skyscrapers shown in the advertisements were actually from Japan and Manhattan in the US. He told people to ask the Akalis to show where these trains were running and where these skyscrapers were located.

Ridiculing the claims of the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal that that Punjab will be power surplus by 2014, he pointed out, he had made similar promises in 2007 and said that the state would be power surplus by 2010 and there were still power cuts as many as three days in a week.

Promising round the clock power, he said, it was not a big deal as the state could always purchase power from other power-surplus states as he had done during 2002 to 2007. He pointed out, there were no power cuts during his period as he had bought power from other states. He said, even the agriculture sector got regular power supply for eight hours a day.

Lashing out at Akalis for betraying and letting down farmers, he said, he had motivated the Reliance Industries to start field to fork programme which would increase the farmers’ income four times. “Since the programme was getting popular among the farmers the Akalis feared that the farmers will get inclined towards Congress and they abandoned it all together”, he disclosed while promising that he will again bring back the Reliance and other companies to ensure that the agriculture becomes more ruminative.
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BADAL Hails DECISION OF PADMA SHRI AWARD FOR PATAR

Chandigarh, January 27-
Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today hailed the decision of the Union Government to bestow the coveted Padma Shri Award to the noted Punjabi poet Mr Surjit Patar.
Expressing happiness over the decision Mr Badal said that the award was a due recognition to this distinguished poet, who owing to his immense contribution towards Punjabi language and literature, is considered as a living legend. He said that the conferment of this award to Mr Patar has brought pride for entire Punjab. Terming Mr Patar as “Son of Soil” the Chief Minister said that by his prolific writings this poet has always raised the social issues concerning the people of Punjab. Mr Badal said that owing to remarkable role played by Mr Patar in promotion of Punjabi language he has the honour of getting well-known awards like Sahitya Akademi Award, Panchnad Puruskar and Saraswati Samman. The Chief Minister said that literary works by Mr Patar including Hawa Vich Likhe Harf, Lavzaan Dee Dargah, Birkh Arz Kare, Hanere Vich Sulagdi Swaran Mala and others constituted the “Magna Carta” of Punjabi literature and would ever remain a source of inspiration for the budding writers.

Punjab Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal today mourned the death of eminent Punjabi writer Mr Kartar Singh Duggal, who died at New Delhi on Thursday due to old age related ailments.
Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the death of Mr Duggal, who had carved a place for himself by penning novels, short stories and plays in Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, and English, the Chief Minister said that the demise of this legendary writer was a big loss for the entire nation. Mr Badal said that apart from being a distinguished writer Mr Duggal had also excelled during his tenure as Director of the All India Radio and later as Rajya Sabha MP. He said that for the services of Mr Duggal towards the people and for his sparkling contribution towards literary circle he had rare distinction getting coveted honuors like Sahitya Akademi award and Padma Bhushan.
Sharing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 27:
Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister, Punjab today expressed deep grief on the demise of noted Punjabi literary giant Padam Bhushan Mr. Kartar Singh Duggal (95), who passed away at New Delhi on Thursday.
Condoling the death of Mr. Duggal, who scaled the pinnacles in not only Punjabi but also in Urdu, Hindi and English literature by penning down scores of short stories, plays and novels. Mr. Badal said that it was a huge and irreparable loss for the entire literary fraternity of the nation. He said that besides being a eminent scribe, Mr Duggal had also discharged his duties towards the society by successfully completing the daunting task as The Director of the All India Radio and later as Member of Rajya Sabha.
Mr. Badal said that Mr. Duggal was conferred upon the honuors like Sahitya Akademi Award and Padma Bhushan would be the source of inspiration for the young generations to come. Sharing the grief with the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed the Almighty to give strength and courage to the family members to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
------HARSIMRAT BADAL REPLIES TO RAHUL’S CLAIMS

Reacting sharply to Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi’s claim that he made in Gidderbaha today that “those who indulged in corruption would face an end to their political career”, Harsimrat Kaur Badal today questioned the authenticity of Rahul Gandhi’s statement, “On the one hand Rahul Gandhi is saying that he would end political career of anybody who face corruption, on the other he is rewarding Capt. Amrinder Singh with CM’s candidature against who four cases of corruption are already pending and he is facing serious charges of corruption, this sort of dichotomy does not work.” She asked, how does Rahul end political career of Capt Amrinder Singh by rewarding him by Chief Ministerial candidature. Rahul Gandhi has once again proved that he does not mean what he is actually saying.”

Harsimrat Badal said that by tradition Congress party never declares Chief Ministerial candidate but this time sensing imminent defeat they have declared their Chief Ministerial candidate who also happens to be most corrupt.
Harsimrat Badal said that “Rahul Gandhi has insulted workers, farmers people of Punjab by terming that People of Punjab are working outside India in farmlands in Italy from where her mother belongs”. She said, people of Punjab are laborious and they contribute 65% foodgrains to the rest of the country. If some progressive people have proceeded to Europe and other countries and residents of those countries, we should be proud of that but Rahul Gandhi is ridiculing our NRIs brothers and because he does not understand the dignity of work because he has never worked. I suggest to take a small job anywhere in the country before dreaming about the biggest job of this country.
Rahul Gandhi is making tall claims about his commitment to eradication of poverty, but on the other hand Congress has eaten “poorman money” through biggest ever scams in the history of the world. 75 lakh crores of Commonman’s tax money is lying unused in Swiss Banks why don’t they bring it back and distribute among poor, this would be the greatest scheme for eradication of poverty.
Condemning claims of Rahul Gandhi for a strong Lok Pal, Harsimrat Badal said that entire country witnessed the double-speak of Congress on Lok Pal in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and said Congress will never bring an effective Lok Pal Bill therefore their count-down has begun.
Harsimrat has said that one of the Star Scheme of Congress for the aam aadmi have been ‘PRICE RISE’, second scheme has been for farmers is ‘FARMERS SUICIDE SCHEME’, third scheme is ‘PETROL-DIESEL PRICE RISE SCHEME’, some new schemes of Congress are bound to be named as ‘RAHUL GANDHI COMMONMAN SUICIDE SCHEME’. And people of Punjab are going to give an answer by punishing Congress for Price Rise, by punishing Congress for Corruption and eating commonman's tax money, by punishing Congress for PETROL-DIESEL and by punishing Congress for increasing prices of fertilizers.

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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB- candidate booked

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 26

Mr. Rajinder Beri a candidate of INC from Jalandhar Central has been booked Under saection 171-E at Police Station Div. No 4 Jalandhar for distributing liquor to the voters. Disclosing this here today Special CEO Punjab Mrs Usha R Sharma said that Election Commission of India is keeping hawks eye on the activities of candidates and is taking all possible measures to stop the flow of liquor across the state. She said that all arrangements has been made for free and fair elections.
Taking note of the complaints received against Government employees indulging in poll campaigning, The CEO has transferred Head Mistress of Govt. High School Khadoor (Ludhiana) Surinder Kaur to Govt. High School Gumti Kalan, Bathinda and Rishipal Singh employee of Health Department Ludhiana has also been shifted to Head quarter and served with a show cause notice.
She further said that unaccounted cash worth Rs. 324688179 has been referred to the IT Department. Other things such as Poppy husk-2495 Kg., Illicit liquor-12136312 ml., country wine bottles-472534 opium- 10494gms., heroine-6362gms. smack- 2022gms. Lahan-82039 kgs., have also been seized from different places in the state. She said that 205515 licensed arms have been deposited and 65 unlicensed arms and 244 ammunition/cartriges have been seized. She said that 20 cases of violence related to poll campaign or political rivalry have been registered across the state. As many as 8982 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 6488 persons bound down under sections107 /116.
She said that CEO has received 2550 complaints of violations of model code of conduct till date, out of which 1700 have been resolved.
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Punjab Congress manifesto seeks to correct aberration of Akali BJP government in mitigating the suffering of urban and rural poor through multi pronged action plan in place. Congress condemns discrimination of poor on the basis of political affiliation and will ensure that all poor are covered under the ambit of social welfare schemes and poverty alleviation programmes of central and state government.

The poor and the disadvantaged sections of will be helped through direct monetary intervention which included senior citizen pension to Rs.400/month, Widow pension to Rs.500/month, blind and handicap pension to Rs.600/month, Rs.1000/month allowance to orphaned children etc.

All poor girls of marriageable age to get Rs.31000 as Shagun, whereas granddaughters of freedom fighters to get Rs.51000 as marriage shagun. To improve sex ratio and check female foeticide and infanticide periodic dole outs of Rs.35000 be made by state in the favour of girl child till she attains the age of 18 years in form of insurance policies so that she gets consolidated amount at her marriageable age.

Congress sees medical care has huge burden on the poor therefore its manifesto seeks to free health insurance to all poor and BPL families and provide for Life Insurance cover to ensure financial security to the family. Rashtriya Swasthya Bimma Yojna whose implementation remained neglected during Akali BJP government will be closely monitored and implemented.
Notwithstanding pendency of National Food Security Bill in the parliament Punjab Congress chief ministerial candidate Capt. Amarinder Singh has declared that Atta-Dal scheme will reach to all poor of the state and Atta (flour) will be given at Rs.1/kg . All poor will have their shelter under Indira Awaas Yojna and Rajiv Gandhi Awaas Yojna. Each rural house hold will have access to potable drinking water and safe clean toilets.
MNREGA , the UPA flagship programme which remained poorly implemented will be vigorously implemented to create rural employment and provide livelihood. MNREGA wages will be upwardly revised to match market rates and such that more than Rs.2000 crore per year reaches into the rural households.
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CHIEF JUSTICE RANJAN GOGOI UNFURLS THE NATIONAL FLAG AT HIGH COURT PREMISES

Chandigarh, January 26:

The Republic Day was celebrated in the premises of the Punjab and Haryana High Court with great zeal and gaiety. The Chief Justice, Mr. Ranjan Gogoi hoisted the national flag.

While speaking on the occasion, besides paying tributes to the martyrs, Justice Gogoi exhorted the Judicial Officers of Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh to rise to the occasion and meet the challenges of disposing of the cases promptly in a stipulated time frame thereby minimizing the miseries and harassment of the general public.
A cultural program was also held on the occasion and certificates has been presented to the Parade Commander and the other participants.
----- PUNJAB CM EXHORTS PEOPLE TO MAKE PUNJAB A VIBRANT AND PROGRESSIVE STATE

FEROZEPUR JANUARY 26:

Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today called upon the people to take a solemn pledge on this historic day to make Punjab a vibrant and progressive state in the country, free from the maladies of unemployment, poverty and illiteracy to cherish the aspirations of our countless patriots and freedom fighters who made supreme sacrifices to free our motherland from the yoke of British imperialism.
Addressing the mammoth gathering after unfurling the National Flag on the 63rd Republic Day Function here at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Stadium, Mr. Badal said that on this auspicious day, India became a sovereign democratic republic and every year we celebrate this august occasion with great enthusiasm and gaiety. He recalled the unparalleled and unique sacrifices made by Punjabis in the national freedom struggle and mentioned that 80% sacrifices had been made by Punjabis alone despite the fact they merely constituted two-and-a-half percent of country’s population. He also referred to Punjab's 60% contribution towards national food kitty in making our country self-reliant in food production.
The Chief Minister further said that it was also a matter of sheer
pride and honour for us that all the eminent movements associated with the country’s freedom struggle like Kuka, Gaddar, Kamagata Maru and Babbar Akali were also spear headed by the brave Punjabis.
Mr. Badal also said that the valiant Punjabis had inherited the spirit of self sacrifice, patriotism from Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sri Guru Arjan Dev ji, Sri Guru Teg Bahadar ji and Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji, who waged a relentless battle against the atrocities and terror unleashed by the mughal emperors to safeguard the human rights in order to protect the innocent and hapless people from their tyranny. Likewise, numerous martyrs since time immemorial have also proved to be a source of inspiration for Punjabis who inherited the spirit of self sacrifice from them.
Mr. Badal said that the rich legacy of unprecedented sacrifices made by martyrs would ever act as a light house to guide the destiny of our future generations. He lamented our freedom fighters laid down their lives to attain independence for our country and hoped their countrymen would lead a life with dignity and honour in free India but however, their hopes were dashed to the ground as the majority of people in our country were still bereft of the basic civic amenities even after 66 years of independence.
Complimenting the brave Punjabis across the state for maintaining peace and communal harmony despite its geographical boundaries in close proximity with Indo-Pak border on one side and Jammu & Kashmir on the other where, violent activities were the order of the day. Mr. Badal said Punjab was the most peaceful state in the country where the peace loving people always strongly believed in the ethos of brotherhood, amity and national integration.
Earlier, Mr. Badal inspected the parade led by Parade Commander Mr. Jagjit Singh Saroa and took a salute during an impressive march past by the contingents of Border Security Force, Punjab Police, Punjab Home Guards, NCC Cadets besides the Punjab police band. A colorful variety program including Bhangra, Gidha, Group Dance, PT show presented by the students of various local schools and colleges regaled the audience. As many as 13 tableaux from various departments of the State government were the star attraction of the function.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister honoured the next of kin of the Kargil martyrs besides the freedom fighters with a shawl.
The function was attended by the senior officers of district civil and police administration besides prominent personalities from different walks of the life.

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SUKHBIR CALLS FOR PROTECTING THE HARD-WON FREEDOM OF THE COUNTRY

LAUNCH A CONCERTED DRIVE AGAINST DRUG ADDICTION

SAS NAGAR, JANUARY 26: Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal, Deputy Chief Minister Punjab today gave a call to protect the hard-won freedom of the country, which was attained by our freedom fighters after a long struggle.

Addressing the people in the Republic Day function here today, the Deputy Chief Minister said that we are fortunate that we are enjoying the fruits of independence. He said that this independence of the country could be attainted after unparalleled sacrifices of our freedom fighters including Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. He said that it was matter of great pride for all of us that we are part of the largest democracy of the world that has withstood all challenges during last 63 years. He said that it was more important as other countries that attained freedom with us, fell to dictatorial regimes where people don’t have any fundamental right of speech and expression.

Mr. Badal said that India has a vibrant democratic institution that gives freedom to every religion to propagate its massage and gives right to every citizen to profess religion of their choice. He said that we are proud of the fact that in India, people of various religions, castes and cultures live together peacefully and work collectively for the progress of the country.

Giving a call to fight the menace of drug addiction in the society, he said that we should all collectively work out a strategy to fight this menace that was harming the youth of the nation. He said that with our collective will we can tackle this menace.

Earlier Mr. Badal accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Mr. Varun Roojam and SSP Mr. Gurpreet Singh Bhullar unfurled the tricolor and took a guard of honour from the contingents of Punjab Police and Punjab Armed Police. He also took salute from the march past led by DSP Harbans Singh Riar in which contingents of Punjab Police, Home Guards, NCC, NCC (Girls) and different schools of SAS District participated.

The program was marked by mass PT show by the students of Government Senior Model School 3B-1, who with synchronized choreography set the stage for multihued one hour long cultural program. The patriotic chorus by students of Shivalik Public School, action songs by the students Shastri Model School won the hearts of the people. The Haryanavi dance by the students of APS World School mesmerized the people. The Students of ITI gave a social message against female foeticide and the patriotic fervour reached its pinnacle with the action song sung by the students of Golden Bell Public School and performance of Giddha and Bhangra by Paragon Senior Secondary School. Mr. Badal also honoured freedom fighters of the district with a mementoes and shawls.

On this occasion a holiday was announced on January 27 in all schools and colleges of the distric

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NO TELECAST OF OPINION/EXIT POLL AFTER TODAY’S EVENING

Chandigarh, January 25:

A spokesman of Election Commission of India today clarified that the ban on telecast of opinion /exit polls in Punjab would commence 48 hours before the first phase of polling i.e. 48 hours before Manipur goes to the poll on 28th January. He said that thus opinion/exit poll can only be telecast till the evening of 25th January, 2012.

The spokesman said that this clarification has been issued as there was confusion whether the ban starts 48 hours before the state of Punjab goes to the poll on 30th January or 48 hours before the state of Manipur goes to the poll on 28th January.

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Congress has unique track record in dealing with corruption: Mr Pranab Mukherjee

CHANDIGARH, January 25: Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said that Congress has a unique track record in dealing with corruption and the same thing could not be said about other parties.

He also disputed the charges by the Akali-BJP alliance government in Punjab that centre had been discriminatory towards the state. He said, centre had provided generous aid to the state whenever asked and even without askance.
Addressing a press conference here today, he pointed out, whether it was a minister, a Chief Minister or any other senior leader, wherever there was a complaint immediate action was taken.
“This is not true about other parties”, he pointed out, while referring to a national party whose president was caught live on camera accepting bribe in connection with a defence deal.
Replying to a question about the Punjab debt, he said, the Thirteenth Finance Commission had identified three states of Punjab, West Bengal and Kerala which were “debt stressed” and if corrective measures were not taken these can fall in the debt trap.
He said, the commission wanted these states to improve the Tax-GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product) ratio. He said, Punjab’s Tax-GSDP ratio was low at around 7 per cent while there were some other states in the country whose Tax-GSDP ratio was as high as nine percent.
The Union Finance Minister maintained that Punjab needs effective fiscal management as the state’s debt was somewhere between Rs 70,000 to 72,000 crores, which was about 40 per cent of its GSDP.
He disclosed that the food inflation has come down substantially. He said food inflation, which touched the peak of 22 per cent in February 2010, dropped considerably to less than 1 per cent last month. "Inflationary pressure remained for 22 months. The food inflation was as high as 22 per cent in February 2010 which has come down to less than 1 per cent in December 2011," Mr Mukherjee said.
On the issue of subsidies, the Finance Minister said, the subsidies have to be institutionalized as was being done through the Food Security Act, already passed by the union cabinet which will enable people living below poverty line to get food at highly subsidized prices.
To a question about the discrimination with states like Punjab and Haryana after giving tax concessions to other states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, he said, the experiment had failed as now new investments had come, but only the industry had shifted from one place to another. He pointed out, this had been done by the National Democratic Alliance government and he had stopped it.

----REPUBLIC DAY 2012 PRESIDENT’S POLICE MEDAL FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO ONE IPS AND ONE PPS OFFICER OF PUNJAB POLICE
· 15 POLICE OFFICERS/OFFICIALS TO GET POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

The Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab today asked Town Planning, Irrigation and Home departments to check veracity of complaints against Chief Engineer Irrigation, Mr. A.S Dulat, Chief Town Planner, Mr. Balkar Singh Brar and DSP Kotkapura Mr. Pannu and if found correct, take disciplinary action against them. A complaint was forwarded by observer that they were campaigning for SAD candidate, Mr. Mantar Singh Brar and DSP Pannu was threatening the voters.
Briefing the media Mrs. Usha R Sharma Special CEO said that one Head master Darshan Lal, Govt. High School Midda,Ferozpur and Sandeep Singh Sugga of Agriculture department have been placed under suspension distributing cycles to students during code of conduct and for indulging in political activities respectively.

She said that Mr., Rupinder Singh ADEO, (S) Ludhiana has been ordered to transfer out of Dist. Besides that Mr. Harinder Singh Balli Hindi Teacher in Rampura Phul II has been transferred to Ferozepur and Sukhdev Singh, SS teacher of Ghuman (Gurdaspur) have also been transferred to Jalandhar for indulging in political activities.
She said that unaccounted cash worth Rs. 319143497 has been referred to the IT Department. Other things such as Poppy husk-2405Kg., Illicit liquor-11922 Litre.,country wine bottles-442339, opium- 10489 gms., heroine-6357gms.smack-1237gms., Lahan-79989 kg. have also been seized so far from different places in the state. Besides that, 199095 licensed arms have been got deposited and 65 unlicensed arms and 244 ammunition/cartridges have been seized. As many as 8928 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 6321 persons bound down under sections107 /116.

The commission has received 2460 complaints of violations of model code of conduct out of which 1565 have been resolved
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PUNJAB CM CONDOLES THE SAD DEMISE OF R. N. SINGH

CHANDIGARH JANUARY 25:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal today expressed profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of senior Press Photographer and President of Press Club Jalandhar, Mr. RN Singh, who passed away today at Jalandhar after brief illness, he was 72 and survived by his wife, son and two daughters.
Mr. Badal also shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.
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SUKHBIR CONDOLES THE DEATH OF EMINENT PHOTO JOURNALIST R.N.SINGH

Chandigarh, January 25: Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal has condoled the untimely demise of eminent Photo journalist and Punjab Press Club Jalandhar President Mr. R.N.Singh (72), who died at Jalandhar today after brief illness.
In a condolence message Mr. Badal described Mr. Singh as a committed Photo journalist, who played a significant role in promotion of Photo Journalism in vernacular media besides setting up of Punjab Press Club at Jalandhar. He said that with the demise of Mr. Singh a void has been created in the field of Photo journalism which could never be filled.
Expressing his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family, Mr. Badal prayed to almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the members of the family to bear this irreparable loss.
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Chandigarh January 24: CEO Punjab has suspended Sikandar Singh SHO Bareta and Raghvinder Singh has been posted in his place. Disclosing this here today, Mrs. Usha Sharma Special Chief Electoral Officer Punjab, said that the department has also transferred SHO Rama, Gamdoor Singh and posted Inspector Kuldeep Singh in his place, SHO(city) Malout, Harinder Singh has been transferred and Sub-Inspector Jugraj Singh has been posted in Malout, Sub-Inspector Rajinder Pal Singh has replaced Gursewak Singh SHO Kabarwala Muktsar who has been transferred.
Revealing more on transfers of the Local Bodies Department, she said that Gurmeet Singh, XEN, Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Gurdaspur, has been transferred to Chandigarh following a complaint and Daleep Kumar has been sent in his place. Devinder Pal Singh SDO Amritsar has replaced Harpreet Singh SDO who has been transferred from Batala to Chandigarh. Referring to the newspaper reports mentioning IAS officer KJS Cheema’s open involvement with a political party, she said a report has been sought from the Chief Secretary in this regard.
Adding further, Mrs. Sharma said that the state election department was fully geared up to hold free, fair and violence free elections in the state. “We will be more vigilant in the coming days to ensure the check the flow of liquor, drugs or any other such item which can sway the voters and influence them, in Punjab”, said Mrs. Sharma. She also said that unaccounted cash worth Rs.30, 64, 93,076 has been referred to the IT Department. Other things such as Poppy husk-2300 Kg., illicit liquor-79, 70, 46,818 ml. country wine bottles- 360825, opium- 10489 gms., heroine-6357 gms. smack- 1857gms., Lahan-63144 kg. have also been seized so far from different places in the state. Besides that, 197345 licensed arms have been got deposited and 59 unlicensed arms and 250 ammunition/cartridges have been seized. As many as 8865 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 6138 persons bound down under sections107 /116. The commission has received 2400 complaints of violations of model code of conduct out of which 1510 have been resolved.

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Vote for Congress to vote for peace, progress: Capt Amarinder

JALLANDHAR, January 24

: Warning against the divisive politics of the Akalis, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today appealed to the people of Punjab to vote for Congress to vote for change and vote for peace and vote for progress. He said, the Akalis had a sectarian and divisive agenda and they only believed in dividing people.
Addressing a largely attended public rally in support of the party candidate from Jallandhar North Avatar Henry, Capt Amarinder recalled, immediately after coming to power in 2007 how the Akalis would brandish naked swords against the people with whom they disagreed. He said, such things hamper development and the results were before everybody with industry closing down and unemployment rising.

Referring to the unemployment problem, he said, government jobs are no answer to unemployment problem. “For that we need massive investment and industry which will generate jobs and for that we need peace and for peace we need Congress government and not a divisive and disruptive Akali-BJP government”, he said, while urging people to draw their own comparisons. “You have seen our five year rule and you have seen their five years as well”, he said, while adding, it should not be difficult for them to make the right judgment.
The former Chief Minister asked the people that if they wanted to get rid of the goonda-raj of the Akalis they must vote for the Congress. He pointed out, the virtual extortion rackets run by the Akalis in different cities across Punjab. “Every businessman and every industrialist in the cities is scared of these goons and he has no option but to pay”, he said, while adding, the police had been made answerable to the local MLAs.
Reiterating his charges against the Badals that they had only resorted to the loot and vendetta, he said, while they themselves were getting richer and richer they had made Punjab so poor that it owes Rs 1.72 lakh crores of debt which will take a long time to be repaid.
Asking the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and his Deputy Chief Minister son Sukhbir Badal to show what development they had done, he said, they were showing the bullet trains which run in Japan and the skyscrapers which are actually in Manhattan.
He said, what Punjab has seen during all these years is the total decline. He said, the government education system has virtually collapsed and the medical care is negligible. He revealed that 95 per cent students who get admissions in universities for higher studies come from private schools only while only five per cent come from the government schools.
Speaking on the occasion party incharge for Punjab Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak said, time had come for the people of Punjab to decide. He said, Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi had given full support to PCC President in his fight against the Akalis and she was sure that Congress was coming back to power in Punjab.
Earlier Avatar Henry expressed his gratitude to the party leadership for reposing faith in him for sixth term.
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Capt Amarinder cautions party cadres against misleading propaganda

LUDHIANA, January 24

: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today asked the party cadres to ensure that they voted and supported the party candidates in all the assembly segments, particularly in Atam Nagar and Ludhiana South assembly segments.
Referring to some disinformation campaign launched by certain vested interests, Capt Amarinder made it categorically clear that the party observers were keeping a close watch on Atam Nagar and Ludhiana South and all the leaders and workers have to ensure the victory of the party candidates Milkiat Singh Birmi (in Atam Nagar) and Pappi Prashar (in Ludhiana South).
He also said that there was no question of supporting any of the rebels from any party in any constituency anywhere. He warned against the false propaganda whereby the party candidates were projected to be weak and said, all the survey reports have shown that the Congress was winning all the nine seats in Ludhiana parliamentary constituency.
Capt Amarinder said, the sharp division in Akali votes, as at both the places there was one Akali rebel each, in Atam Nagar and Ludhiana South was proving to be a great advantage for the Congress and the party candidates were winning with a huge margin.
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AKALI DAL TO OPPOSE SELLING OF RIVERS TO PRIVATE COMPANIES-SUKHBIR
· PROPOSED WATER POLICY TO DESTROY THE AGRARIAN ECONOMY OF PUNJAB
· AMARINDER FACILITATE NEW ANTI FARMER WATER POLICY
· WOULD NOT ALLOW PERMANENT SLAVERY OF FARMERS TO PRIVATE COMPANIES, EVEN FOR RIVER WATER
· UNION GOVERNMENT POLICY PAPER EXPOSES CONGRESS FALSE PROMISE OF FREE POWER AND WATERChandigarh, January 24

The Shiromani Akali Dal today strongly opposed the proposed water policy of Congress led UPA government to privatize the rivers, canals besides abolition of all kinds of subsidies on irrigation and potable water to agricultural and domestic sectors as the new water policy of Congress led UPA government would destroy the agrarian economy of Punjab besides robbing the rightful riparian rights.
In a statement issued here, President of the Party Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the it was the sinister attempt of Congress led UPA government to hand over all natural and man made water resources of the country in the hands of its friendly MNCs, making a population of 122 crore of India their slave for all times to come. He said that not satisfied with the loot of Rs.1.76 lac crore in 2G scam, this government has now decided to loot the only available natural resource of the country by introducing a new National Water Policy that calls for privatization of water delivery services and maximising the water prices. Mr. Badal said that the new policy also exposes the false promise of Free power of Amarinder as Manmohan Singh’s new water policy says that ‘subsidy to agricultural electricity user be curtailed as it leads to wasteful use of electricity and water’ He said that this policy would not only raise the cost of water for both farmers and urban users but would not spare even the poor devotees who would have to pay for holy dip in the rivers like sacred Ganga.
Mr. Badal said that the new water policy was tailor made to destroy the economy of farmers of Punjab making them dependent on private sector even for water and further pushing them in debt trap. He said that according to the reports Amarinder Singh has got this policy approved to hold his friends in multi national companies, sacrificing the interest of all farmers of the country.
Commenting on a front page report published in a national daily, Mr. Badal said that it seems that Congress party was aiming for a slot in Guinness Book of World Record for looting the natural resources of the country. He said that Congress was deliberately inducing such policies to help friendly business houses. “Congress led UPA government was habitual of this practice and use this phenomenon to share the booty”, he added. He said that Congress led UPA government was deliberately scuttling strong Jan Lokpal as they do not want such policies to come under its scanner.
Accusing the Congress party for adopting East India Company policies to rob the natural resources, Mr. Badal said that Shiromani Akali Dal would not allow any such policy that hits the economy of farming community. He said that it is ironical that the policy suggests that subsidies to the farmers and domestic water users be stopped and private companies be subsidies for distribution of these water resources. He said that Congress party was trying to hold multi national companies in furtherance of their nefarious designs.
He said that the poor were already facing the starvation because of record food inflation and now they would have to face dehydration as the Congress’s new policy would transfer the cost of water projects to the project-benefited families by forcing them to pay increased price of water.
Mr. Badal mocked at the Congress’s new policy which proposed that subsidy to agricultural electricity users should be abolished as farmers were wasting both electricity and water for producing crops to tackle food crises in the country. He questioned that if Congress led UPA government was busy in framing such anti-people and anti-farmer policies how Captain would work other way in Punjab.
He said that Congress was playing a dirty game by leaving the underprivileged sections of the society at the mercy of private players. Mr. Badal said that people of Punjab were well aware of the double face policies of Congress party and the Congress party would meet the same fate in Punjab as it had witnessed in Bihar.

“ Want my last tenure as CM to be remembered as a milestone in history”

Chandigarh January 24

The Punjab Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal chief patron Mr. Parkash Singh Badal said here today the SAD-BJP government would start giving unemployment allowance to jobless youth, free lap tops to students and Rs two lakh free medical care to the poor from March itself and decision to this effect will be taken in the first meeting of the government tobe formed after receiving people’s mandate in the assembly poll due on Janury 30. Similarly, other welfare measure such as enhancement of Shagun amount from Rs 15000 to Rs 31000 will also be implemented in the first meeting of the new cabinet, said Mr. Badal.

In a statement here, Mr. Badal said that all other welfare schemes and educational and other incentives would also be implemented in the first cabinet meeting itself . he reiterated that he stood for making the party manifestoes legally binding on political parties. “We have always treated our manifesto as a sacred document and our record in the matter is proof of this approach “

The Chief Minister said that the fulfillment of the promises made in the SAD manifesto were also matters of personal conviction for him

“This is going to be my last tenure as Chief Minister and I want to be remembered as someone who throughout his political career never went back on his word to the poor, the youth, the farmers and other sections of society. I have a record to live up to in this regard. We have never faulted on our promises to the people nor lingered on in unnecessary delay in such matters. For me, these are issues of personal credibility and the people of the state have always known what to expect from me. I am going to ensure that this record is maintained,” said Mr Badal

“We implemented the decisions to give Free Power to farmers and Shagun scheme to Dalits in the first cabinet meeting of the then government in March 1997. Similarly, our promise to give subsidized Atta Daal to 16 lakh poor families and enhance Shagun amount from Rs 5100 to Rs 15000 were also fulfilled during the first cabinet meeting of the present government in March 2007.
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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL
VOTE FOR SAD-BJP FOR DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY OF STATE-BADAL
GADKARI LAUDS INITIATIVES OF BADAL GOVT.
IMPRESSIVE SHOW BY SAD-BJP IN FAVOUR OF DR. CHEEMA

Nurpur Bedi, January 24 : Shiromani Akali Dal Patron and Chief Minister S. Parkash singh Badal has called upon the people of the state to vote for SAD-BJP combine for development and prosperity of the state and said any vote for Congress would mean loss of the state.

Addressing an impressive rally here today in favour of SAD-BJP candidate Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, Mr. Badal said that people of the state were wise enough and understand the development done by the SAD-BJP government and mischiefs and negative role played by the Congress party against the state. He said that the development done during the last five years in unmatched in the history of the state.

Lashing at Congress led UPA government Mr. Badal said that multi lakh crore scams it has looted the treasure of the nation which was once known as ‘golden sparrow’. He said that the black money stashed in foreign banks by the Congress leaders should be brought back and invested in the country which was enough to raise the income of common man multi fold. He said that although Punjabis have played a great role in the freedom of the country and have made unmatched sacrifies,but still the Centre has continued to biased against the Punjab.
Talking about the development of the Kandi area, the Chief Minister said that Congress has failed to do anything for the area but our government has many works to its credit. He said that after formation of the next government special provision would be made for a separate budget for the development of this area.
Commending the efforts of Dr. Cheema for the area, Mr. Badal said that he has always assisted the party and the government in solving the problems of the people.
Addressing the rally BJP National President Mr. Nitin Gadkari said that Badal government has proved to be pro-farmer and pro- poor government of the state which has also taken care of the needs of every section of the society. He said that establishment of power plants to generate additional 10 thousand megawatt power would help in establishment of industry and subsequently reduce unemployment of the youth.
Lashing at Congress led UPA government he said that this government has made plight of common man miserable with regular and unprecedented increase in prices of essential commodities. He said that any vote for the Congress would mean vote to promote corruption and price rise.
On the occasion Mr. Shanta Kumar Incharge of Punjab BJP said that development and social welfare works done by the Badal government are unmatched in the history and Badal has proved to be one of the best Chief Ministers of the country. Ruby Dhalla former MP from Canada also lauded the efforts of the SAD-BJP combine to provide subsidied Atta Dal to poor, bicycles to the girls and other social welfare measures.
Addressing the rally Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema said that the SAD-BJP government has initiated development works worth Rs. 806 crores in the area besides distribution of grant worth Rs. 15 crore to the villages of the area. He said that after formation of next SAD-BJP government after the elections, special integrated plan for the all round development of the area would be implemented.
On the occasion more than 100 families belonging to Congress and BSP joined SAD.
Others prominent who were present on the occasion included BKU leader Ajmer Singh Lakhowal, Amarjit Singh Chawla, Ajmer Singh Khera, Parmjit Singh Lakhewal, Principal Surinder Singh, Bhai Rajinder Singh Mehta and Daljit Singh Bhinder (all SGPC members), Dr. RS Parmar Chairman Improvement Trust, Mr. Amarjit Singh Satial President Municipal Council besides other leaders of the SAD-BJP combine.

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CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB- the CEO has ordered the immediate suspensions and transfers of a number of officers in the past 24 hours.

Chandigarh January 23:

Taking stringent steps to ensure free and fair polls to the state legislative assembly, the CEO has ordered the immediate suspensions and transfers of a number of officers in the past 24 hours.

Revealing this here today, Mrs. Usha. R. Sharma said that Pradumman Singh Principal ITI Sunam with additional charge Nabha has been suspended immediately for his active involvement in political activities and using his influence to work for a party candidate. Gursharan Singh Khaira, XEN PSEB, who was transferred a few days back on a complaint of using his official positions and trying to influence the voters, has been suspended with immediate effect. Gurpreet Singh SHO, Kotwali Kapurthala has also been suspended for showing negligence in duty and Mr. Balwinder Singh has been posted in his place. Gurpal Singh Panchayat Officer Gandiwind, Tarantaran has been suspended. Besides that, a teacher Jagir Singh posted at Govt. High School Behakbodala in Fazilka has been suspended for filing his nomination papers without submitting his resignation to the department.

In another decision, the CEO has transferred Sukhdev Singh Bhatti commandant 1st Commando Battalion Bahadurgarh whose wife is contesting election from Budhlada , to Ludhiana and Harmanbir Singh Commandant 3rd IRB Ludhiana , whose brother is also a candidate from Amritsar has been transferred in place of Sukhdev Singh Bhatti. Mukhtiar Singh SHO Guru Harsahai has been transferred and Avtar Singh Inspector has been posted in his place.
She said that unaccounted cash worth Rs. 28,89,55,866 has been referred to the IT Department. Other things such as Poppy husk-2300 Kg., Illicit liquor-11206412 ml.,country wine bottles-143070, opium- 10489 gms., heroine-6357gms.smack-1237gms., Lahan-43124 kg. have also been seized so far from different places in the state. Besides that, 195474 licensed arms have been got deposited and 58 unlicensed arms and 194 ammunition/cartridges have been seized. As many as 8829 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 6061 persons bound down under sections107 /116. The commission has received 2250 complaints of violations of model code of conduct out of which 1420 have been resolved. Referring to the notification of the ECI on Exit Poll and Opinion Poll, she said that the Commission banned the result of any exit poll in connection with the current assembly elections of the five states including Punjab between 7 am on January 28 till 5.30 pm on March 3, 2012. She further clarified that displaying any election matter including results of any opinion poll or any other poll survey in any electronic media would be prohibited during the period of 48 hours ending with the hours fixed for conclusion of poll in every phase.
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Raghubir Singh, a former MLA from Gidderbaha has been expelled from the Congress for anti-party activities.

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I want to see smile on every Punjabi face: Capt Amarinder Singh

DHURI (SANGRUR), January 23:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President today said that he wanted to see smile on each and every face in Punjab. He said, he wanted every unemployed person in the state to have a job, farmers a decent living and all round progress across Punjab. “If you feel there is a need for change vote for Congress”, he appealed to tens of thousands of people here today.
Addressing two massive rallies in villages Bhular Herhi and Ghanauri in Dhuri assembly segment in support of the party candidate Arvind Khanna, Capt Amarinder regretted that during the last five years the people had only seen corruption, victimisaton, vendetta and open loot of state resources.

The PCC President said, both the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and his Deputy Chief Minister son Sukhbir Badal were reaping the whirlwind and they were stuck in their respective Lambi and Jalalabad assembly segments. “They are not sure of holding to their own assembly segments how can they think of ruling Punjab?” he asked while adding, this is the natural consequence when the rulers forget to govern and indulge in other things than governance.
Asserting that the Akalis had no vision and they had not learnt any lessons either, he said, they waited for the Congress manifesto to come out before they could bring their own. “Even what they brought out lacks both vision and direction”, he said while pointing out there was nothing new in their manifesto. “Either it was everything old packaged afresh or it was full of false promises and nothing else”, he remarked.
Asking people to vote for Congress to vote for change, he said, “if you want that 47 lakh unemployed people should get jobs, if you want the farmers should no longer commit suicides, if you want that Punjab should get debt free, if you want industry to come to Punjab and if you want agriculture to progress please vote for Punjab”.
Referring to Mr Badal’s wailing and whining over Punjab and its interests, Capt Amarinder said, he always exploited the sentiments of people to his own advantage. He pointed out, “Mr Badal will always set up morchas, get people killed and himself imprisoned in some government rest house and only come out when situation was fit for him to rule”. He said, Badal had neither ever watched the interests of Punjab nor that of the panth.
Promising to change profile of the area, he said, once Congress comes to power, he will ensure that the youth get employed and agriculture is remunerative. “Give me your vote and you will feel the change yourself”, he remarked.
Speaking on the occasion the party candidate from here Arvind Khanna asked the people to vote for him and he will serve them not just for five years, but for next twenty years.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included local MP Vijay Inder Singla, Bibi Labh Kaur, sister of late Sant Harchand Singh Longowal, Mai Roop Kaur, Laly Jawandha, Kikki Dhillon and others.

----HARSIMRAT CONDEMNS BEATING OF LADY IN POLICE STATION

Bathinda, January 23:Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament today strongly condemned the alleged beating of a lady in a police station in district Mansa. She said that it was a deplorable incident and should be condemned by all. She said that the police has already suspended the erring constable and an inquiry has been ordered against SHO.

In a statement issued here today, Mrs. Badal said that onus of such incidents falls on indiscriminate transfers of police personals by Election Commission of India and its inaction on Shiromani Akali Dal’s complaint against Amarinder for inciting the people to violence. Mrs. Badal said that Chief Minister S Parkash Singh Badal already requested Election Commission that transfers of Police officials without taking the elected government into confidence, may have its bearing on law and order situation. As inMansa bothDC and SSpP had beentransferred by ECI recently.Mrs. Badal said that Shiromani Akali Dal had been campaigning against PPCC Chief Capt Amarinder Singh for his open inciting the people for violence with terms like ‘Katleaam, Putha Tanng diange’ but ECI has failed to rein him. He is doing at a time when emotions were already running very high. She said that the SAD-BJP government was fully committed to peaceful conduct Vidhan Sabha polls and would seek cooperation from all quarters in this regards.

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Capt Amarinder cautions people against Akalis’ deceit

DEHLON (LUDHIANA), January 23: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today cautioned people against the lies and deceit of the Akalis. He said, the people of Punjab must realize that they have made same promises in their election manifesto in 2007 and done nothing despite coming to power.
Addressing a well attended public rally organised in support of the party candidate from Gill assembly segment, Milkiat Singh Dakha here today, he pointed out, the Akalis had promised surplus power in Punjab by year 2010. He reminded people as how Sukhbir promised that state will produce enough power to export it to other states. “And now he has made the same promise again of making Punjab power surplus by 2013”, he pointed out, while remarking, there can be no blatant lie other than this as the state still faces three day a week power cuts.
Referring to other promises like starting metro train in Ludhiana, he said, the same promise Sukhbir had made in 2007. “And not a single brick has been laid anywhere so far”, he said, while warning people to beware against their deceit. He told Sukhbir, “you can fool some people sometimes but not all the people all the times which you are trying to do”.
The former Chief Minister asked people to judge for themselves what they have done during last five years. “Don’t forget how they victimized Congress workers, how they looted and robbed the state and its resources and how they grabbed all the sand mining contracts, liquor vends, transport and cable operations”, he pointed out.
Ridiculing the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal for seeking a fifth term, he remarked, “does he really need a fifth chance as he has already robbed and looted the state in his four terms so much so that his family has got richer and richer while Punjab has become poorer”.
Asking people to exercise caution while casting their vote, he said, time has come to rid Punjab off this government as it is the question of Punjab’s future and the future generations.
Ludhiana MP and the National Spokesperson of the Congress Manish Tewari and the local candidate Milkiat Singh Dakha also spoke on the occasion.
Among other present included Ludhiana District president Pawan Dewan, KK Bawa, Amarjit Singh Tikka and others.

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Chandigarh, January 23,2012
Election manifesto released by Shiromani Akali Dal ( Badal ) is just a bunch of hollow promises. It doesnot provide a solution to burning issues faced by the state. There is no mention of any relief to debt ridden peasantry. Khet Mazdoor, industrial worker and employees do not come in the range of Akali Dal satellite as it covers only the big landlords and capitalists. Mainly the manifesto is an extension of the Neo –Liberal policies pursued by the Congress led UPA government. The agriculture and unemployment crisis will be further aggravated and will give rise to corruption. It was stated here today by Comrade Charan Singh Virdi , State Secretary, CPI(M) while expressing his reaction to the manifesto.
Com. Virdi told that the Akali Dal when in power never talks of basic issues like transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab , settlement of rivers water dispute and decision on claims and counter claims on territories which provide a breeding ground to separatist forces to disturb peace in Punjab any time. The unholy alliance of SAD-BJP on communal lines is also dangerous for the state.

He further told that the zero tolerance to corruption promised by by Akali Dal is a crutel joke because Akali-BJP combine is synnonymous with corruption.Regarding providing 10 lakh jobs to the youth, Comrade virdi stated that thousands of posts of teachers are lying vacant in schools and colleges and similarly thousands of posts of Doctors, nurses and para-medical staff are vacant in hospitals but no efforts were made during the last 5 years to fill them up. It has badly affected the education and health facilities.
Commenting on the transport Sector , Com. Virdi said that government has snatched away profitable routes from Punjab Roadways and PRTC on which buses of Badal family and their henchmen are plying . The government has no interest in strengthening the public transport because the transport business is a common interest for congress and Akalis- BJP . Public Sector on the whole is absent from the manifesto . It were the Akalis who had shut down Punwire , a national level profit making public sector enterprise.
He said that the hollowness of providing tubewell connections is evident from the fact that crores of rupees deposited as security by peasants are lying with PSEB ( now corporation) but no serious efforts were made during the last five years. Similarly the promise of making Punjab power surplus by 2013 is just a day dreaming .
Com. Virdi termed the building of bridges, fly-overs and roads as a source of big money for the politicians and bureaucrats . The government department PWD has no role now in constructing roads, bridges or fly-overs. The private companies are engaged for the work who put up Toll Tax Barriers after completion of the project and recover the expenses from the general public. The ministers and bureaucrats get their share sitting at home.
He said that the concern expressed by the Akalis regarding Border and Kandi areas is surprising. During the last five years they did not open any government school, college or hospital in both the areas. No efforts were made to improve irrigation facilities or potable water.
On the issue of Punjabi language he said that during its last tenure the government had constituted some committees at district level which did not work and are now lying defunct.-- Issue( SWARANJIT SINGH DALIO

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AMRINDER FEEBLE TO COUNTER SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENDA OF SAD-BJP ALLIANCE-SUKHBIR

· Questioned Amrinder’s silence on his achievements as then Punjab CM and his future agenda

Chandigarh, January 23
Harmeet Singh Dhillon

Shiromani Akali Dal President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today described Capt Amrinder Singh and his party too feeble to counter the socio-economic development based election campaign and manifesto of SAD-BJP alliance and thus confined themselves to false and negative publicity. He questioned the total silence of former Chief Minister Amrinder Singh over comparing his regime’s achievements with SAD-BJP achievements or spelling out his future agenda for the development of the state.
In a statement issued here, Mr. Badal said that the futuristic manifesto of Shiromani Akali Dal had numbed the Congress leadership. “Congress party had earlier shown its bankruptcy to present innovative ideas by copying the achievements of SAD-BJP government in its so called manifesto and now Capt Amrinder Singh and his entourage had resorted to their age old practice of giving false statements”, he added.
Describing the party manifesto as innovative and inventive approach towards addressing the future of a predominantly young Punjabi population, Mr. Badal said that a team of experts had provide the revenue structure for each and every plan outlined and every commitment made in the manifesto. He said that SAD-BJP government’s rationalized polices have doubled the revenue of state government to 76000 crore, which was just 35000 crores during Captain’s regime. He promised to raise the figure of state’s revenue to 1, 70000 crores within next five years and that too without paying burden on any class. He said that SAD-BJP government had implemented almost all the commitments it had made in previous manifesto, whereas, Capt. Amarinder Singh deliberately did not start free power for 36 long months despite promise made by Congress party in their earlier manifesto. He said that now Congress party was even running away from promising free power what to call of continuing it.

Giving an account of SAD-BJP government’s achievements, Mr. Badal said that alliance’s initiatives to make state power surplus, computerising all land records, administrative reforms and Right to Service Act to ensure time bound delivery of 67 services, spending Rs 6,967 crore on roads, Rs 412 crore on ROBs, bringing world class universities and technical institutes for higher education and opening Adarsh school to provide quality education at grass root level, installing RO systems, water supply and sewerage systems besides a series of another development projects had pushed the state into a higher orbit of socio-economic development.

Appealing the voters of Punjab to vote on the account of development initiatives of SAD-BJP government, Mr. Badal said that a repeat mandate was must to continue the pace of development of the state. He said that if people of Bihar were wise enough to repeat the mandate for NDA government, same was expected from wise electorate of Punjab. He said that it was for the workers to consolidate the positive vote for the alliance to ensure clean sweep victory of the party.

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ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB-- no prohibition to appoint NRI as the polling agents in the Punjab Assembly Election 2012.

CHANDIGARH, January 22

The Election Commission of India has made it clear that there is no prohibition to appoint NRI as the polling agents in the Punjab Assembly Election 2012. Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the CEO Punjab said that the matter was considered by the Commission after a question was raised regarding the appointment of Non Resident Indian as polling agents during Assembly Election in the State of Punjab. He revealed that The NRI who has to be appointed as a polling agent should be a voter of the concerned polling station.

He said that State Level Media Monitoring Committee has banned the use of words Peo/Puttar (Son/Father) in an incorrect manner and caricature of Captain Amrinder Singh in the advertisements appearing in the media. He said that Mr Harbans Singh Sidhu DEO Bathinda has been shifted out of Distt. on the recommendation of Deputy Commissioner. He said that three employees of Forest Departmaent has also been shifted , namely Balwinder Singh Bhatti Forestor to Hq. Mukatsar in Faridkot Mandal, Randhir Singh Randhawa Forest Ranger to Ferozpur range and Lakhwinder Singh Forest Ranger to Zira Range.

He said that the CEO has received a complaint against the INC candidate Smt. Suman K.P. for providing wrong information of her property. He said that a report has been sought from the concerned returning officer in this regard within 24 hours. He further added that The CEO has received 2150 complaints regarding the violation of model code of conduct,out of which 1360 have been disposed of.
He said that unaccounted cash worth Rs. 283693866 has been referred to the IT Department. Other things such as Poppy husk-2300 Kg., Illicit liquor-10259912 ml.,country wine bottles-106796, opium- 10083gms., heroine-6357gms.have also been seized so far from different places in the state. Besides that 193056 licensed arms have been got deposited and 57 unlicensed arms and 192 ammunition/cartidges have been seized. As many as 8771 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 5943 persons bound down under sections107 /116.
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CHANDIGARH, January 22: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today asked the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal to explain his or his family’s stakes in the Orbit Aviations, an airline company, owned by one of his close relatives.
Capt Amarinder told Mr Badal that while the people of Punjab already know a lot about Orbit Transport, Orbit Resorts and Orbit hotels not many people know about Orbit Aviations as there is a lot of curiosity and interest among the people of Punjab to know whether their Chief Minister’s family really owns an airlines company as also some private planes.
The PCC President pointed out, there are already reports of his son and the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal having got purchased private jets and only a confirmation was awaited from the first family of the state.
“You can simply deny if the reports are wrong that none of your family members or close relatives have any stake in the Orbit Aviations and nor does Mr Sukhbir Badal or any of his close relative own a private jet”, Capt Amarinder asked Mr Badal, while adding, coming clear on the issue will be in his interest only besides satisfying the curiosity of the people.
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CHANDIGARH, January 22: Describing the Akalis’ claims of “zero tolerance” to corruption as “THE JOKE OF THE ELECTION 2012”, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today remarked, “Akalis’ promise of zero tolerance to corruption in their manifesto sounds like devil quoting scriptures”. On the development, Capt Amarinder said, the Akalis, particularly Sukhbir Badal had still not stopped trying to build castles in the air even after having failed for five years.
Blasting their claims, in what they claim to be the “blueprint of Punjab’s destiny”, of strengthening a strong Lok Ayukta, he asked, if they were so sincere why they did not do it during the last five years. He said, it was the Congress government headed by him which had appointed Lokpal headed by Justice Dhaliwal. But after the Akalis came to power they weakened the institution. He pointed out, there was one Assistant Sub Inspector of Police attached with it and no other staff. “Do they mean to strengthen Lokpal with one ASI?” he asked.
He said, Akali-BJP government was the most corrupt government in Punjab since independence and their claims over zero tolerance to corruption sound quite paradoxical. He maintained that a corrupt party and alliance cannot claim to have zero tolerance to corruption.
Referring to Sukhbir’s day dreaming about Punjab being power surplus and state exporting power from 2013, Capt Amarinder pointed out, Sukhbir had made similar promises in 2007 saying Punjab will be power surplus by 2010. “It seems they have simply reproduced their 2007 manifesto”, he said, while pointing out, “we still have three days power cuts in a week to industry and entire rural areas still plunged in darkness”.
Similarly he pointed out, Metro Rail in Ludhiana had been promised way back in 2007 and this promise has been repeated again with a firm resolve to be broken again.
Ridiculing Akalis’ commitment of getting Chandigarh and Punjabi speaking areas back from Haryana, the PCC President said, they have been saying it for last forty years at the time of elections and once in power they even forget to mention about it.
He questioned the party’s commitment towards federalism saying a party that is terminally dependent on a right wing party like Bhartiya Janata Party which believes in a strong centre, can only wish but never do anything about it and needless to add they have no desire to do anything about it. “And Akalis have a record of shelving the issue they claim to hold close to heart for power”, he remarked, while adding these are hoax claims of a desperate party.
Taking a dig at the Alkalis claims of converting the entire PUNBUS and PEPSU fleet into air-conditioned buses, the former Chief Minister remarked, this is yet another joke. “People of Punjab know how they manipulated the transport policy to their own advantage bleeding both the PUNBUS and PEPSU and now they are selling the dreams of making these buses air-conditioned”, he said, while remarking, “it sounds like promising a feast to someone already dead of hunger”.
Capt Amarinder remarked, the Akali manifesto did not come as any surprise to him since he did not expect it any better. “They are ideologically bankrupt having no vision and they were only waiting for our manifesto to come out”, he remarked, while adding, “however hats off to them they took just six days to study our manifesto and come out with their own while it took us more than six full months”.

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Mr Tohra's nephew joins Congress

Patiala, January 22: Jagminder Singh Sawajpur, national general secretary Youth Akali Dal and a nephew of former SGPC president S Gurcharan Singh Tohara today joined the Congress. Sawajpur is the son of late S Tohara's sister in law.
After joining the Congress Swajpur said, entire rank and file of the Akali Dal and Youth Akali Dal was feeling alienated and disillusioned by the high handedness of the leadership. He said, there was a general feeling among the youth that only Capt Amarinder could provide good leadership to Punjab.

Welcoming him into the party, Capt Amarinder said, this was an indication that Akali workers and leaders had lost trust in Akali Dal and they were now joining the Congress.

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5 rebels expelled

CHANDIGARH, January 22: PCC President Capt Amarinder has expelled Deepinder Singh Dhillon from Dera Bassi, Inderjeet Qasabad from Sahnewal, Hans Raj Josan from Jalalabad, Naresh Puri from Sujanpur and Rajneesh Kumar Babbi from Mukerian from the primary membership of the party for standing against the party candidates.

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Poor to get aata for Re one per kg: Capt Amarinder

JAITON (FARIDKOT)
, January 22:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today said that serving the poor was the Congress dharma and it had been doing it right since the country’s independence. He said, keeping with the same spirit the party had brought in Food Security Act which will enable the poor across the country to get aata for Re one per kg. He also expressed grave concern over the suicides by farmers as the agriculture had failed to get them remunerative returns.
Addressing an impressive public rally in the Ram Lila Grounds in support of the party candidate Joginder Singh Panjgraian, here today, Capt Amarinder asked the Akalis to list out what was their own agenda. He disclosed that even for the aata-daal scheme, which the Akalis have been trumpeting to be their own, the wheat and grants were being provided by the government of India.
Lashing out at the Akalis for spreading out lies and misleading people by saying that the Congress will stop all the welfare schemes, he asked, “why should we and it is our government which is providing support to and sustaining their welfare schemes and when we can support them why should we stop these ourselves”.
Asking people not to get misled by the Akali propaganda, he told them to draw comparison between the Congress rule between 2002 and 2007 with that of the Akalis between 2007 and 2012. “You will see for yourself as which government was better”, he told them while seeking votes for the local candidate Panjgraina.
Having a dig at Akalis’ manifesto which they released today, he said, they are promising to save the riparian rights of Punjab over its river waters. “They have probably forgotten that we have already enacted an act repealing all the water sharing treaties and saving our waters way back in 2005”, he pointed out amidst a thunderous applause.
Capt Amarinder asked Akalis, particularly the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal as what he had done for the farmers. He said, the farmers were feeling so distressed and upset that quite a number of them had committed suicide after having failed to repay their loans or feed their families. “It is a tragedy that our self respecting farmers who have fed the country are finding it difficult to fulfill the needs of their family and ultimately they commit suicide”, he regretted.
Appealing people to vote for Congress, he said, Punjab today needs industrial investment which will generate jobs. He pointed out there are 47 lakh unemployed people in the state and they need to be given jobs. Besides, he said, agriculture pattern needs to be changed and new and remunerative crops need to be sown.”It is not about someone losing or someone winning, it is the future of Punjab that is at stake and unless and until Congress does not come to power Punjab’s future will continue to be at stake.
Asking people to vote and support Joginder Panjgraian he promised to accommodate him in the government if they make him win the elections.
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BADAL CALLS MANIFESTO A GAME CHANGER

· A piece of daring socio-economic architecture, says the CM

Chandigarh, January 2

Shiromani Akali Dal Patron-in-chief, Mr. Parkash SIngh Badal today described the party manifesto released in Ludhiana this morning as "A game-changer” that provides the socio-economic and political architecture of a bold new Punjab. “This is a remarkable day for Punjab, and the party can take pride in setting concrete and daring but attainable goals. I am also glad that our success in implementing the previous manifesto commitments has inspired the policy makes to think big and come up with out-of-the box solutions. In my long career as a public figure, I have never seen a team of such brilliant, hugely talented and committed visionaries and hard-core economic policy makers work with such commitment and come up with such an innovative and inventive approach towards addressing the future of a predominantly young Punjabi population", he said.
The chief minister said that the manifesto covers both "dreams and brass-tacks."
Declaring that the manifesto was the finest and the most daring vision-statement to have come out of any state or even the center in the past sixty years, Mr. Badal thanked the Manifesto Committee Chairman Mr. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa and other members of the the committee. The SAD patron also congratulated and thanked all the economists, experts, social scientists, academicians, IT professionals, environmentalists, and civil society activists for their pioneering help in coming out with this "charter of Punjab's new destiny." The C M also revealed that the final contours of this historic document were shaped with active help from experts from various fields. He said that involvement of sportspersons, student leaders, and school, college and university teachers as also feminists was reflected in the emphasis that the manifesto places on education, youth and female literacy.
Mr. Badal said that he himself remained closely associated withthe preparation of this blue for new hope, "but being a little conservative in my attitudes and was keen to make sure that the dreamswhich we have for our state and its people had foundations in concrete. I am happy that the team of experts has been able to provide the revenue structure for each and every plan outlined and every commitment made in the manifesto.”
----Patiala Bar Association extends support to Capt Amarinder Singh

PATIALA, January 22:

Patiala Bar Association today announced its support to Capt Amarinder Singh and assured him that the entire legal community was supporting him and wanted the Congress to come back to power.
A delegation of the association led by its president Jeet Inder Singh Grewal today called upon Capt Amarinder at the New Moti Bagh Palace to declare its support.
Mr Grewal said, the lawyer fraternity was grateful to Capt Amarinder as during his previous tenure he had met several of the lawyers’ long pending demands. Besides, he had restored and ensured the dignity of the legal fraternity, he said, while adding that there was a groundswell of support in support of Congress and people of Patiala in particular felt proud to be identified with Capt Amarinder Singh.
Expressing his gratitude for their support, Capt Amarinder thanked all the members of the bar and promised that once Congress comes to power he will ensure that all their remaining demands are met. He appealed to them to spread the message among the people as only the Congress could save Punjab from the devastating position the Akali-BJP regime had pushed it towards.
Earlier members of the Punjab Saini Sabha led by its president Ajit Singh Saini met the PCC President and extended their support to the Congress. They also submitted a memorandum to Capt Amarinder seeking withdrawal of the notification issued by the Badal government by virtue of which they have been denied the Scheduled Tribe Status.
A delegation of the Punjab Khatri Sabha led by Mr Kuldeep Sagar also met Capt Amarinder and announced its support to Congress.

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Congress expels 12 rebels

CHANDIGARH, January 21:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today expelled 11 rebels from the primary membership of the party after they refused to retire from the contest.

They include

Ashok Sharma from Pathankote

Sucha Singh Chhotepur

Baljit Singh Bhatti from Baba Bakala

Sukhjinder Singh Lali Majithia from Majitha

Ram Kishen Kataria from Balachaur

Hari Pal from Chamkaur Sahib

Bhalinder Singh ex-Distrcit president Ludhaina Rural

Jagmohan Sharma, ex-district president Ludhiana Urban

Former minister Harbans Lal

Former MLAs Ravinder Babbal,

Upender Sharma

Gurbir Singh Sandhu from Jalalabad.

The PCC President has also warned all those leaders who were working against the party candidates in different constituencies and asked all the prominent leaders to join the campaigning of the party. He said, activities of all the leaders were being closely watched by the observers and did not rule out further action if these leaders did not join the campaigning of the party candidates.

----THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB-dvertisement for general party propaganda with photo....

Chandigarh January 21: The ECI has issued fresh guidelines regarding the election expenditure of the Party’s Star Campaigners.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the CEO said that if the advertisement for general party propaganda with photo or appeal of the star campaigner was made in print or electronic media without any reference to any candidate then expenditure on such general advertisement should be booked to the account of the political party. He said that if such a leader happens to be a candidate in any constituency, the expenditure on such general party propaganda, even if it contains his photo in print and electronic media, should not be booked to the account of such leader as it is in the nature of general party propaganda without any reference to his constituency.
Referring to the expenditure on posters, banners, flags, stickers etc., he said that in case if the photo or appeal of the star campaigner used during the elections without any reference to any particular candidate then the expenditure should be booked to the account of the political party. If however, the leader happens to be a candidate in any constituency then the proportionate expenditure on such items actually used in his constituency should be accounted for in his election expenses.

Adding further, he said that if any attendant including security guard, medical attendant or any member of the Party who is not a candidate in the concerned constituency travel with the star campaigner of the Party in his vehicle, aircraft, helicopter etc., and the travel expenses of such leader should be entirely booked to the account of the political party. He further clarified that it should not result in booking any part of the travel expenditure of the star campaigner to the account of the candidate, if such persons sharing the vehicle with the star campaigner, do not play any role in the election campaign for the candidate. However, if any candidate shares the transport with the star campaigner then 50% of the travel expenditure should be added to the candidate’s election expendi

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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB-mmediate suspension and transfers of a number of such officers in the state over the past 24 hours...

Chandigarh January 21:

Taking cognizance of the complaints received against officers indulging in poll campaigning, the CEO has ordered the immediate suspension and transfers of a number of such officers in the state over the past 24 hours.

While giving details, Mrs. Usha.R.Sharma, Special Chief Electoral Officer said that XEN Gurmeet Singh and SDO Harpal Singh of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Gurdaspur have been suspended on the grounds of their disobedience towards the ECI’s directive in the implementation of model code of conduct. Two Booth level officers namely Balraj Singh and Balwinder Singh employees of Mandi Board have also been suspended for actively participating in the poll campaign.
Taking note of a novel way of wooing the Pathankot voters by an Independent candidate Ashok Sharma by stamping the newspapers asking for votes, the CEO has directed to confiscate the stamped newspapers and include the expense incurred on the newspapers in the candidate’s poll expenditure.
She also said that Mrs. Palwinder Kaur, a teacher posted at Govt. Senior Secondary School Putlighar, Amritsar has been transferred to head quarter Chandigarh as she was campaigning for her husband Mr. Virsa Singh Valtoha. Besides that, S.S.Bhullar XEN Irrigation Department has been transferred as XEN, Evaluation-1 at Chandigarh and B.L.Singla has been transferred as XEN cum Technical Examiner-11 and Vigilance Officer Irrigation Department Patiala. The CEO has also ordered immediate transfer of SHO Manjit Singh C-Division Amritsar and Jagdish Benipal Secretary Market Committee Abohar.
She also said that unaccounted cash worth Rs. 274291165 has been referred to the IT Department. Other things such as Poppy husk-2293Kg., Illicit liquor-10252412 ml., country wine bottles-102127 opium- 10083gms., heroine-6357gms. smack- 1617gms. Lahan-42499kgs., have also been seized from different places in the state. She said that 191337 licensed arms have been deposited and 57 unlicensed arms and 192 ammunition have been seized. She said that 17 cases of violence related to poll campaign or political rivalry have been registered across the state. As many as 8701 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 5593 persons bound down under sections107 /116.

As many as 2050 complaints of violations of model code of conduct have been received till date out of which 1305 have been resolved

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BSP general secretary MP Singh Goraya joins Congress

JALLANDHAR, January 21:

Senior Bahujan Samaj Party leader and party general secretary MP Singh Goraya, Rattan Chadha, Convener Beopar Cell, Dinesh Chander incharge Christian Welfare and Jaswinder Singh Jassi, convener Prajapat Samaj, today joined the Congress.
They were inducted into the party by the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh in presence of Punjab Youth Congress president Vikram Chaudhary and others.
Talking to reporters, they said, they had realized that the BSP was no longer a party that watched the interests of the dalits and poor and they have come to the conclusion that Congress was the only party that could safeguard the interests of all the sections including the Dalits.
Welcoming them into the party, Capt Amarinder hoped that their joining the party will further strengthen it.
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Capt Amarinder promises round the clock power in state at all costs

TALWARA(HOSHIARPUR), January 21:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today promised round the clock power for domestic and industrial sector in the state. He said, no matter from where the state will need to get power it will ensure round the clock supply. He also announced that the government will not charge any bills for the tube-well connections in the kandi area.
Addressing an impressive public rally organised in support of the party candidate from Dasuya assembly segment Ramesh Chander Dogra, he said, in the last term also his government had ensured round the clock power after buying it from outside and next Congress government will again ensure it.
The PCC President ridiculed the power surplus promises of the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal, pointing out that even during the lean season the industry was facing three day power cuts and domestic segment was also not getting proper supply. He said, the Badals had survived these five years by telling lies only.
He lashed out at the Akali-BJP alliance government for its all round failure. He said, the government particularly the Badals had only indulged in rampant corruption and grabbing everything like sand mining, liquor trade, transport business and cable operations.
He also announced that not only will the Congress government finish the monopoly of cable operations patronized by the Badal family, but it will also ensure that the monthly cable rent is not more than Rs 100.
The former Chief Minister announced that the Congress government will lay special focus on the industrialization of the kandi belt. He said, after the introduction of the Land Acquisition Act passed by the parliament no canal irrigated land can be acquired for industry and the obvious choice was the kandi belt and areas like Talwara and surroundings will get benefitted.
Capt Amarinder announced that of the six new medical colleges to be opened in Punjab, one will be opened up in Talwara. Responding to the demand by the local residents for taking over the BBMB hospital, he said, once the Congress comes to power the issue will be considered and taken up with the BBMB.
The PCC President also announced that the government will provide 75 per cent subsidy to the farmers who want to fence their land against the wild animals who damage their crops.
Speaking on the occasion, Congress incharge for Punjab Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak stressed upon the people to ensure that they bring Congress back to power. He said, the Congress workers had suffered lot of violence and excesses at the hands of the Akali-BJP government and now was the time to fix the guilty.
Earlier former minister and local candidate, Dr RC Dogra welcomed the senior leaders and expressed his gratitude to them for sparing time for the area. He read out the demands of the area.
Among others present on the occasion included PCC general secretary Fateh Jang Bajwa, former DGP SS Virk, DCC Hoshiarpur president Pradeep Nanda and others.
----HARSIMRAT REGRETS PM’S FAILURE TO ANNOUNCE DEBT WAIVER AND FARM DEBT WAIVER
AMARINDER NOT RAISING DEBT WAIVER WITH PM SHAMEFUL
LACK OF ANNOUNCEMENT ON FREE POWER AND RS. 1 ATTA SCHEME EXPOSES PAPER PROMISES OF AMARINDER

Chandigarh, 21 January :
Member Parliament Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal today expressed regret over Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s failure to announce total debt waiver for border state of Punjab besides waiving the farm debt of Punjabi farmers reeling under debt burden. She also said that PM’s failure to pronounce continuation of free power for farm sector and Rs. 1 Atta scheme exposes the hollowness of Amarinder Singh’s pronouncement.
In a statement issued here today Mrs. Badal said that Punjabi’s had a great hope from first sikh Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh that he would make the historic announcement of total debt waiver so that Punjab’s economy could start from a firm footing. She said that Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had series of meeting with Prime Minister on this issue and Prime Minister had assured that he would take a decision on the recommendations of Planning Commission committee constituted for three states including Punjab and Bengal. She said that Prime Minister has already announced a package of Rs. 25 thousand crore for West Bengal on the insistence of Mamta Banerjee but ignored his home state Punjab.
She said that Punjabis were hoping that economist Prime Minister would have knowledge about the loss suffered by Punjab’s economy due to decade long disturbance in the state that resulted in Rs. 69000 crore debt. Mrs. Badal said that SAD had been able to persuade former Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral to waive a portion of debt but till total debt was written off, Punjab’s finances would be kept on occupied towards repayment of loan and yearly instalments of this huge debt.
Mrs. Badal said that Punjabi farmers were hoping that their farm debt would be waived by the Prime Minister but their hopes have dashed to floor with Prime Minister not mentioning a word about this. She said that in earlier farm debt waiver package of Rs. 72000 crore kept Punjabi farmers out of its ambit as only 0.97 percent farmers could get partial benefit of this. She said that farm debt was mounting due to UPA’s failure to link MSP with the price index and waiver coupled with linking of MSP with price index was the only answer to this problem.
Regretting PPCC Chief Capt. Amarinder Singh’s failure to raise this crucial demand of Punjab with Prime Minister, Mrs. Badal said that carefree attitude of PPCC Chief reflects that he was not concerned about the welfare of Punjab.
Mrs. Badal said that Capt. Amarinder Singh had been making hollow pronouncements of continuation of free power and Rs. 1 Atta scheme for the Atta dal families but everybody knows that Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Vice chairman of Planning Commission Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Union finance Minister Mr. Pranab Mukherjee have disapproved the inclusion of these two in the manifesto of Congress party. She said that Prime Minister’s failure to assure people of Punjab that Congress party would continue these schemes clearly exposes the fact that Amarinder was againt trying to befool the people of Punjab.
Appealing to Prime Minister to make an announcement of total debt waiver of Punjab and also farm debt waiver without any condition, She said that Punjabis were looking towards Prime Minister for an early announcement as she was sure that PPCC Chief has not briefed Prime Minister on this.
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Congress to win 70 plus seats; SAD faced with mass rebellion

JALLANDHAR, January 21:

Asserting that the Shiromani Akali Dal was faced with mass rebellion Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today predicted that Congress will be winning at least 70 seats in the coming assembly elections.
In an informal conversation with reporters at the PPA grounds here today, Capt Amarinder disclosed that there was a substantial swing of seven per cent away from Shiromani Akali Dal leading to loss of 27 seats and direct gain to the Congress. He pointed out, various surveys by independent agencies including the one recently conducted by India Today and MARG have also given Congress about 70 seats.
Asked about the reason, he said, Manpreet Badal’s People’s Party of Punjab was damaging the Akali Dal in all the 117 assembly segments which was working to great advantage of the Congress. “In fact all the 117 PPP candidates are proving to be Akali rebels and inflicting severe damage on the Akali Dal”, he remarked, while adding, Akalis are also aware of that and are now fighting only for survival.
He reiterated that Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Manpreet Badal had arrived at a secret understanding and the peace had been brokered by Mr Om Prakash Chautala and the understanding seemed to be mainly for Gidderbaha and Lambi seats.
Capt Amarinder criticized Mr Badal for his remarks about Ms Gandhi’s speech saying he (Mr Badal) should have been graceful enough to admit and acknowledge the mistakes of his government. He dared Mr Badal to prove Ms Gandhi wrong on non-utilisation of the MNREGA funds and the central support to the aata-daal scheme.
He asserted that the Akalis were now scared about the Re one per kg aata that people across the country will get once the Food Security Act already approved by the cabinet and soon to be introduced in the Parliament. He said, even for the aata-daal scheme the Akali-BJP government was getting ten thousand tons of wheat every month from the centre only.
The PCC President announced that the Congress government will set up a Vigilance Commission and the vigilance department will no longer be allowed to be used as an arm-twisting tool against the political opponents. He said, the vigilance bureau director Mr Sumedh Singh Saini was scared of it and was thus trying to help the Badals.
To a question about Mr Saini saying that he was an accused in a corruption case, Capt Amarinder said, “that hardly makes any difference and the matter of fact is that the vigilance has been helping the Akalis to provide money to the Congress rebels”.
Replying to a question about Mr Badal’s criticism of the functioning of the Election Commission of India, Capt Amarinder remarked, “it was an attempt at arm-twisting the commission officials in Punjab which is a characteristic habit of Badals”. He said, the commission was doing a reasonably good job and nobody should feel aggrieved about it.
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CHOICE IS BETWEEN MAN OF THE MASSES AND AN ARROGANT ‘RAJA’-SUKHBIR

· OPPOSES THE BITTERNESS IN ELECTIONEERING....Harmeet Singh Dhillon

Chandigarh, January 21

The Shiromani Akali Dal President Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal today called upon the people to exercise their choice in favour of a man of the masses and not an arrogant ‘Raja’ impervious to the needs of the people. He said the four time Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal was one leader who had devoted his entire life to the people as against the state Congress President Capt. Amarinder Singh, who is still living in the ages of ‘Maharajas’, making tall claims that he would cut the heads of his opponents, once elected to power.

In a statement issued here, Mr. Badal said that Punjab was at crossroads and the people should make their choice judiciously in the context of the unprecedented impetus the economy had received during the last five years of Mr. Parkash Singh Badal’s leadership as any wrong choice would divert the state from this path of accelerated development. He said that this had been possible because it was Mr. Badal who had firsthand knowledge of the socio-economic situation both at the micro as well as macro levels. It was his interactive approach at the grassroots that had provided the blueprint for the state along with the vision for the future that was grounded in reality.
Lambasting at Congress for its anti-Punjab policies, Mr. Badal said that it was not just Capt. Amarinder Singh who was known for his insensitivities towards the people but the Congress itself was anti-people in general and anti-Punjab in particular. It was the Congress which had dealt a serious blow to the state’s economy not only through willful neglect but also by consciously plundering its natural resources. He said that now was the time for the people to once for all consign Congress to the dustbin of history by re-electing the Akali Dal which had historically been rooted among the people.
Opposing the bitterness in electioneering, Mr. Badal said that campaigning has to be on issues but problem with Capt. Amarinder Singh was that he and his party lack positive issues. Mr. Badal said that recruitment of more than one lakh 15 thousand persons in the government departments in that most transparent way had exposed the non-performance of Congress during its rule. Mr. Badal said that initiatives to make state power surplus, computerising all land records, Administrative Reforms, Right to Service Act to ensure time bound delivery of 67 services, Rs 6,967 crore spent on roads, Rs 412 crore spent on ROBs besides a series of another development projects had numbed the Congress leadership that had now resorted to abusive politics to sidetrack the development issue.
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CM MOURNS THE PASSING AWAY OF MANJIT KAUR BRAHMPURA

Chandigarh, January 21:
Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash singh Badal today express profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Manjit kaur Brahmpura, wife of Rural Development Minister Mr. Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, who died here in a private hospital on Friday after a brief illness.
In a condolence message Mr. Badal shared his heartfelt sympathies with the members of the bereaved family and pray to the Almighty to give strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss and grant peace to the departed soul.

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PCC President warns rebels to retire by tomorrow or get expelled

CHANDIGARH, January 20: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today expelled Bhalinder Singh who has stood as an independent candidate from Khanna against the party nominee Gurkirat Singh Kotli.

PCC President warned all the rebels to retire by tomorrow morning as otherwise all of them will be expelled.

He said, the party waited for the rebels to retire even after the last date of the nominations on January 16. He said, while some of them retired those who refuse to retire will be expelled tomorrow.
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Capt Amarinder promises round the clock power for industry

LUDHIANA, January 20: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today promised round the clock power to the industry after Congress comes to power in the state. He said, there will be no power cuts and the industry will not have to shut down for three days a week as is the current practice.

Capt Amarinder also promised that the Congress government will do away with 14 clearances needed for setting up an industrial unit. Instead, he said, the investors will only need to provide self certification.

Addressing well attended public rallies at Giaspura in Ludhiana South assembly segment and Basti Jodhewal in Ludhiana East assembly segment in support of the party candidates Pappi Prashar and Gurmail Pehalwan respectively, here today, Capt Amarinder lambasted the failure of the Akali-BJP government in providing basic facilities to the industry.
The PCC President regretted that the industry was moving out of Punjab and 900 units had already closed down and moved out of the state. He said, this had led to dual problem of unemployment and shortage of resources.
The former Chief Minister said that the Akali-BJP alliance had only indulged in loot and robbery of the state resources besides victimizing the Congress workers. He pointed out, 50,000 false cases were registered against the Congress workers and all these will be investigated and commission set up to investigate these cases. He said, those found guilty whether the Akali leaders or the police officials will be held accountable.

Capt Amarinder also had a dig at the BJP leadership for trying to use Anna Hazare’s name. He said, even the BJP incharge for Punjab Shanta Kumar had indicted the BJP ministers who were removed from the government but were later allotted party tickets. He said, Tikshen Sud, had been accused by one of his own officers that he had indulged in corruption.
Appealing people to vote for Congress, he said, it was the question of saving the future of Punjab. “You have to decide in the interest of our future generations”, he said to a thundering applause from the public.
Ludhiana MP and the National Spokesperson of the Congress Manish Tewari also spoke on the occasion.

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Capt Amarinder apologises

CHANDIGARH, January 20: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today regretted the use of word ‘qattal-e-aam’ during his speech at Khanna, while referring to the action against the party rebels.
Expressing his apologies, he said, “I regret having used that word in my speech and I apologise for that”.
He said, what he actually meant was that all the rebels will be expelled from the party if they do not retire by tomorrow.

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Akalis have not come out of their sectarian mindset: Capt Amarinder

JAGARAON/RAIKOTE, January 20:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today said that the Akalis had divided Punjab purely for sectarian purpose and they were yet to overcome that sectarian mindset. He said, they had never thought about Punjab but their own narrow and vested interests which was the reason for Punjab going down to 19th place from number one place in over all development.

Addressing a largely attended public rally here today in support of the party candidates Isher Singh Meharban from Jagaraon and Gurcharan Singh from Raikote, Capt Amarinder also announced that once Congress comes to power the farmers’ crops will be insured. Besides, he added, the poor will get aata for Re one per kg as part of the National Food Security Act already having been approved by the union cabinet which will later be introduced in the parliament.
The PCC President said that the Akalis launched the Punjabi Suba movement only to ensure that they could be in a majority so that they could form a government of their own and in the process they gave up their precious resources like rivers, tourist spots and the industrial belt to Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. He said, if Punjab is going down and down it is only and only because of the narrow vision of the Akalis who have sacrificed and slashed Punjab to serve their narrow personal interests.

The PCC President said, Punjab was at the verge of bankruptcy as the debt was accumulating and there were no resources available. He said, industry was moving out and agriculture was also on the decline. He said, due to the shrinking land holdings agriculture needs to be innovative.

He pointed out, during his previous term he had introduced the farm to fork concept and roped in the Reliance Group which would help farmers to diversify to vegetable growing. Since the Akalis thought it was a god project and farmers will be happy about it, they abandoned it lest the Congress got benefitted. He said, this is the Akali tradition of sacrificing general and public interest for their own vested interest.
Making an impassioned appeal to people to vote for Congress, he said, it is the question of future of Punjab and the future generations. “The choice is yours and you must make the right choice and vote Congress to power to save Punjab and save its future”, he appealed to them while warning, “otherwise you run the risk of pushing Punjab into chaos and bankruptcy”.
National Spokesperson of the Congress and Ludhiana MP Manish Tewari was also present on the occasion.
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Chandigarh January 20:
The Election Commission of India today issued fresh guidelines regarding the Assembly Elections In the state of Punjab.

Disclosing this here today, a spokesperson of the CEO Punjab said that the ECI has now directed that voters having EPIC and whose photo already appears in the photo roll can exercise their franchise either by producing EPIC or by voters slip issued by the district administration. He said that in case of misplacing EPIC and voter slip by the voter, an additional copy of voter’s slip would be kept at the facilitation booth outside the polling booth so that those voters who have misplaced their voter slips and EPIC can collect it at the poling booth itself. He further said that voters without EPIC would be allowed to exercise their voting right by producing any of the alternative documents having photo on it. He further said that the serial number of the ID document and last four digits of the ID document should be entered in the form 17-A by the Presiding Officer.
Adding further, he said that the Chief Electoral Officer has received 2020complaints of breach of model code of conduct out of which 1140 complaints have been disposed off.

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER PUNJAB-

Chandigarh January 20:

The ECI has deferred the proposal to issue ordinance regarding amendments in the Punjab (Institutions and other Buildings) Tax Act 2011 until the completion of poll process.

Revealing this here today, Mrs. Usha. R. Sharma, Special Chief Electoral Officer Punjab said that the Chief Electoral Officer Punjab has transferred Balkaran Singh, XEN Mandi Board Gurdaspur and Devinder Singh, SDO Mandi Board Fatehgarh Churian on complaints of non-compliance of the official orders. In place of these officers, Tarsem Raj XEN and Jagjit Singh SDO have been posted. She also said that Gursharan Singh Khaira XEN Power Com Khadoor Sahib has also been transferred with immediate effect.

She also said that unaccounted cash worth Rs. 258314445 has been referred to the IT Department. Other things such as Poppy husk-2286Kg., Illicit liquor-10184712 ml.,country wine bottles-102119, opium- 10083gms., heroine-6357gms.have also been seized from different places in the state. She said that 189010 licensed arms have been deposited and 56 unlicensed arms and 190 ammunition have been seized. She said that 16 cases of violence related to poll campaign or political rivalry have been registered across the state. As many as 8648 non-bailable warrants have been executed and 5357 persons bound down under sections107 /116.
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SAD, PPP have secret understanding

KHANNA, January 20:

Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today said that the Shiromani Akali Dal and the People’s Party of Punjab had a secret understanding and the two parties were working together to mutually facilitate the victory of Mr Parkash Singh Badal and Manpreet Badal from Lambi and Gidderbaha respectively.

Addressing a well attended public rally in support of the party candidate Gurkirat Singh Kotli here today, he said, Mr Badal’s younger brother Mr Gurdas Badal will soon feign some illness and get admitted to some hospital and leave the field open in Lambi for his brother to acknowledge the favour done to him in Gidderbaha by Mr Badal by not fielding any Akali from there. The Akali candidate from Gidderbaha is a Congress rebel, he pointed out.

However, the PCC President asserted that both the Badals will get defeated from Lambi and Gidderbaha as people had already seen through their tacit understanding and they were now trying to fool the public.
Lashing out at the Akali-BJP government in the state for its complete failure, Capt Amarinder asked the Deputy Chief Minister in particular to spell out which development he has carried out and where. He asked Sukhbir, “do you think that people don’t know that the bullet trains you are showing in advertisements are not from Punjab but from Japan and the skyscrapers are from Manhattan in US?”

He reminded Mr Badal and Sukhbir about the promises of turning Punjab into a California. “But what we have got is the neglected cities which are turning into slums”, he said, while adding, the state government during the last five years had not improved the infrastructure in any way. He said, Punjab needs proper and planned urbanization as by 2022 there will be more people living in cities than in villages.
Spelling out his agenda, he said, providing jobs to 47 lakh unemployed people, bringing in industry and investment, improving health and education system and reviving agriculture will be his top most priority. He said, Punjab was bankrupt today and the debt was multiplying in an alarming proportion. “It is the issue of life and death for Punjab and it is all in your hands whether you want to save Punjab or not”, he told people while seeking their vote and support for the Congress.
Anandpur Sahib MP Mr Ravneet Bittu and former minister Mr Tej Parkash were also present on the occasion.

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SHIROMANI AKALI DAL

SONIA FAILS TO ENDORSE AMARINDER’S ‘PROMISE’ OF FREE POWER AND RS. 1 PER KG DRAMA-HARSIMRAT
IF ATTA DAL IS CENTRALLY SPONSERED, WHY OTHERS STATES INCLUDING HARYANA HAVE NOT IMPLEMENTED IT
FOOD SECURITY BILL A COPY OF ATTA DAL SCHEME
CENTRE HAS ALWAYS DISCRIMINATED PUNJAB IN ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
MNREGA WAS TAILOR MADE FOR UP AND BIHAR, PUNJAB NOT GIVEN RELAXATION TO MOULD SCHEMES ACCORDING TO ITS NEEDS

Chandigarh, January 20 :

Mrs. Harsimrat Kaur Badal Member Parliament today ridiculed the hollow promises of Capt. Amarinder Singh on free power and Rs. 1 per kg Atta and said that his failure to get these schemes announced or endorsed by the Sonia Gandhi proves that Amarinder Singh is blatantly lying as Congress high Command has not approved these schemes. She also lambasted Sonia Gandhi for trying to mislead the people of Punjab on MNREGA, Atta Dal Schemes and Central funds and said that Sonia’s lecture was full of false assertions that cannot hide the failure of Amarinder Singh during his five year tenure.

In a statement issued here today Mrs. Badal said the SAD MP said that assertion of the Sonia Gandhi that Atta Dal scheme was totally Centrally sponsored scheme, falls flat on the fact that no other state including Haryana except Punjab has implemented it. She questioned that if it was 100 percent Centrally sponsored scheme what right other states have to keep their poor population hungry in this era of unprecedented price rise of essential commodities. She said that Sonia was answerable to people of India for denying the benefit of scheme to all poor people for full five years.
Ripping apart the assertion of Sonia on non utilization of MNREGA funds Mrs. Badal said that Punjab Chief Minister Mr. Parkash Singh Badal had been pleading the Union government to maintain the sanctity of federal structure by allowing the states to evolve central schemes according to the state’s needs. She said that the criteria fixed for devolution of funds to the states was loaded against Punjab and we have repeatedly written that Punjab was denied substancial allocation under Prime Mantri Gramin Sarak Yojna and rural electrification as Punjab had already development well connected road network and extended electric supply to all its villages long back. She said that similarly Chief Minister demanded relaxation in NREGA rules that were tailor made for poor states. She said that Centre government has made mockery of MNREGA by fixing daily wage rate Rs. 123 in Punjab where as it was fixed Rs. 179 for Haryana.
Lashing at Mrs. Gandhi for her parroting of plea of Central funds Mrs. Badal questioned that let Sonia Gandhi clarify what are the Central funds. She said that Central funds were actually Central taxes collected from the states out of which Punjab was given only meagre 1.38 percent. She questioned that if Punjab was getting Contitutionally bound share of 1.38 percent as a matter of right how Congress led UPA government can take credit for it.
She said that infact Punjab had been consistently discriminated against devolution of Central funds as well as funds under Government of India’s different flagship programmes due to relative prosperity and eary economic development. Giving the Planning Commission figures Mrs. Badal said that 68% taxes collected by Centre were retained by Union and 32% devolved to other states. She said that out of 32 percent as whole Punjab gets only 1.38 percent which used to be 2.450percent in 1972 and has been gradually decreased. She said that SAD had been demanding enhancement of Punjab’s share from 1.38 percent to minimum 24 percent that UP and Bihar were presently getting. But Congress led UPA government has deleberatly ingnored the plea of Punjab.
Terming the outcry of Sonia and Amarinder as a defeatist outcry who have already lost the battle before it has started. She said that people of Punjab have already made up their mind to repeat SAD-BJP government as empty chairs in Moga rally have shown the ground level situation to Sonia who was forced to cancel her trip blaming it on foggy whether. She said that actually Punjab Congress was facing foggy whether in this election season as it was not getting way to power as they have been blinded by non performance of Amarinder during his previous tenure.

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Sh. Bhupinder Singh Vice President Youth Akali Dal and son in law of Bibi Jagir kaur Akali candidate from Bholath booked in yet another case of bribing and influencing voters.....
Sukhpal Singh Khaira, MLA Bholath

As you are aware, Bibi Jagir Kaur and her son in law were charged with distributing 183 liquor boxes on 13.01.2012 and FIR No. 5 u/s 171-B, C, H, 506,188 IPC was registered against them.

Carrying on their tirade of distributing liquor and money, Sh.Bhupinder Singh son in law of Bibi Jagir Kaur was booked in yet another case on the direction of Election Commission of India in FIR No. 5 dated 19.01.2012 u/s 171 B, 188 IPC at P.S Bholath.

The said case relates to announcement of Rs. 21000/- as allurement to voters while attending a function in Govt. Sr. Sec. School Bholath on 31.12.2011. I had sent a complaint to EC upon which a report was sort from the Returning officer Bholath. As per the report the official promises of Govt. School was misused on 31.12.2011 for political purposes and seeking votes. The other accused in case is Police Constable Sh. Gulzar Singh Goldy who had organized the said function in school. Acting upon the report the EC has suspended the Headmaster of Govt. Sr. sec. school Bholath and has got lodged the said FIR against Sh. Bhupinder Singh and Police Constable Sh. Gulzar Singh Goldy for violating model code of Conduct.

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Chandigarh, January 20:

To enable the employees working in the Shops and Commercial Establishments situated in the four districts i.e Mohali, Patiala, Fatehgarh Sahib and Ropar of the State of Punjab to exercise their franchise in the election of Panchayat Samiti and Zila perished in U.T., the Punjab Government has declared that January 21, 2012 ( Saturday) shall be ‘Close Day’ for all shops and commercial Establishments located in the aforesaid four districts of the State in lieu of the close day falling on any day between January 22 and January 28, 2012

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Web casting the polling process live in 200 polling booths across the state.

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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER (CEO), PUNJAB--Web casting the polling process live in 200 polling booths across the state.

Chandigarh, January 19, 2012

Taking a leap forward towards ensuring fair and free elections in the state, the State Election Commission would be for the first time web casting the polling process live in 200 polling booths across the state.

Disclosing this here today, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Punjab Miss Kusumjit Kaur Sidhu said that the “Web Casting” would be conducted through internet and web cameras for which the help of Technical Education Department of the state government was being taken. Talking to the newsmen here today, she further revealed that in these elections “Web Casting” would be done only on 200 polling booths in 11 districts of the state for which Technical Education Department would be making the necessary provisions with the help of the 11 Technical Institutes falling in these districts. The CEO further said that to make this program a success around 200 engineering students of these institutes would be deployed at booths with one laptop and internet connection, by which this “Web Casting” would be done. She also disclosed that during the upcoming assembly polls the “Web Casting” would not be open for the general public but only the Officers of Election Commission and the officers of CEO’s Office would be able to see them.

She further said that in order to ensure free and fair voting on the polling day the borders of the state would be sealed so that no outsider could enter the state with the motive of disturbing law and order situation of the state. The CEO also said that the Commission was keeping a strict vigil over the complaints regarding paid news being published in few newspapers for extending benefit to some candidates. The CEO further said that they have got complaints that some newspapers were publishing paid news for which their representatives were contacting all the candidates. However she reiterated that the Election Observers were keeping an eye over the content of news and anything found suspicious would be entered in the list of Shadow Register of the particular candidates and would be subsequently entered in their expenditure, if it is proved that it was a paid news.

Addressing the newsmen Joint CEO Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh said that they have identified 999 vulnerable areas in the state where thrust would be laid for conducting free and fair elections. He clarified that vulnerable areas have been identified after following a fixed criteria and as a part of the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in these areas flag marches would be undertaken by the Para Military Forces and regular visits of the area would be made by the concerned Election Observers. Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh further said that apart from it Sector Magistrate would visit these areas before and during the poll. The Joint CEO also said special vigil was being kept on miscreants and other people having criminal background belonging to these area and directions have been passed to the Police department for arresting the proclaimed offenders in these areas. Mr Gurkirat Kirpal Singh also said that apart from it at the sensitive polling booths, either deployment of Para Military Forces would be done or the Micro Observers would be appointed on these booths or even the Videography of that booth could be conducted for ensuring smooth election process.

Later on addressing the newsmen, Special CEO Mrs Usha R Sharma revealed that following a number of complaints against Mukhwinder Singh, a Deputy Superintendent Of Police (DSP) posted at Sub Division Malout, regarding his involvement in political activities he has been transferred to 9th Battalion of the Punjab Armed Police (PAP) at Amritsar. She further said that DSP Jaswant Singh has been transferred to Malout Sub Division in place of Mukhwinder Singh. She also revealed that the Static Surveillance Teams of Election Commission has recovered around Rs 25.83 crore during their regular checking. Mrs Sharma said that the CEO office has received 1940 complaints pertaining to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the state out of which 980 have been cleared.

Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi today asked the Akali-BJP government in the state to explain what development it had carried out in the state during the last five years and whether adding seven lakh more poor families to 13 lakh already existing in the state meant development for them. She said, this government had proved to be most inefficient one as Punjab had seen total decline on all fronts during the last five years.
Lashing out at the non-performance and poor governance by the Akali-BJP alliance in Punjab while addressing a mammoth rally here today, Ms Gandhi revealed that the state government had failed to utilize the Rs 5000 crore grant provided to it under MNERGA. She disclosed that the state government had proved to be so inefficient that it could spend just Rs 526 crores of Rs 5000 while letting the remaining money unutilized.
The Congress President said, instead of looking into their own failures, they were trying to put the blame on the central government which has always been liberal and generous with sanctioning grants to the state including Punjab for the purpose of development.
Referring to the aata-daal scheme of the state government, Ms Gandhi said, it was 100 per cent financed by the government of India and still the Akali-BJP government in Punjab was trying to claim credit for it. She said, this government cannot do a single thing of its own as it had no money and every activity leave apart development projects were totally dependent on the government of India funding.
Questioning the claims of development of the Akali-BJP government she asked, if it were so how come that seven lakh more families in Punjab became poor during these five years. “Is this the development you are talking about?” she asked, while adding this government had destroyed and devastated Punjab and it will take long time to retrieve it.
Referring to poor state of affairs in the government schools and hospitals, Ms Gandhi pointed out, their so called development is reflected in government schools and hospitals which are in a pitiable condition. This is because they had neither any intent nor any resources to improve these institutions which are meant for poor people.
Making a fervent appeal to the people of the state, she said, now is the time to change the government in the interest of Punjab. “It is in your hands whether you want Punjab to progress under a Congress government or you let it decline further under Akali-BJP alliance”, she said to a thundering applause of approval and acceptance of her appeal by tens of thousands of people.
Terming the Akali-BJP alliance as purely opportunistic, Ms Gandhi pointed out, they were together just to stick to power and everybody has seen during last five years how they acted and behaved. They have no commitment towards development of the state but only one purpose to stick to power, she said.
Expressing her gratitude to the tens of thousands of people who were waiting for her since morning in this biting cold, she said, she was thankful to them for having come and waited that long. She told them now it was in their hands to change the destiny of Punjab for better.
Referring to Kapurthala’s historic importance, Ms Gandhi said, it had a long history spanning over 1100 years. More than that, she added, this place was divine as it was at Gurdwara Beri Sahib near here that Guru Nanak Dev Ji prayed for 14 years and got enlightenment to lead and guide the entire humanity. She said, she bowed to the sacredness and holiness of this land.
Earlier welcoming Ms Gandhi for her visit to Punjab, the PCC President Capt Amarinder expressed his gratitude to her for coming to Kapurthala despite such a bad weather. He said, it was her keenness to visit Punjab that she insisted on flying. He said, the Congress rank and file was feeling encouraged and their morale had been boosted by her visit to the state. He promised that the Congress leadership will deliver the state to the party after winning elections here.
Among others present on the occasion included party in-charge for Punjab Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, Congress general secretary Mr BK Hariprasad, Congress Legislative Party Leader Ms Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former MP Rana Gurjit, Bholath MLA Sukhpal Khaira and others.
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Congress government to provide aata for Re 1 per kg to poor, crop insurance

MOGA, January 19: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today announced that Congress government will provide aata for Re one per kg to the poor, besides insuring the crops of the farmers against any calamity natural or otherwise. He also had a dig at the Shiromani Akali Dal-Badal for not being able to bring out a manifesto even when elections were just ten days away.

Addressing a massive public rally here today, Capt Amarinder said, under the proposed National Food Security Act, which has already been approved by the union cabinet and is being introduced in the parliament, the poor across the country will get aata for Re one per kg. It will be for far too less price than what Akalis are claiming to provide at Rs 4 per kg, albeit with the wheat provided by the government of India.

He said, even Rs 4 per kg aata was not provided by the Akalis of their own as it was government of India which is providing the state ten thousand tons of wheat every month for distributing among the people living below poverty line. “And what to speak of acknowledging it, they are claiming it to be their own”, he remarked.

The PCC President also announced that the farmers’ crops will be automatically insured by the government against any calamity. He said, the existing system of ordering girdawris after any such calamity was time consuming and hardly yielded any results. “The farmers’ crops will be insured in advance and in case of any damage caused by any calamity they will be entitled to compensation”, he said.

Having a dig at the Akalis, particularly the Badal family, he said, they were still not able to come out with an election manifesto. He said, they had no vision and no programme which they could put in the manifesto and present to the people of Punjab. “They might be finding it difficult as how to copy our manifesto so that it does not look like ours”, he remarked, while adding, by now they should have been able to come out with the manifesto as elections are just ten days away.

Referring to Sukhbir Badal’s claims of having done lot of development and an offer to show case it, Capt Amarinder pointed out that he had been asking him for last six months to quote a single instance of development but he (Sukhbir) has not been able to as there was none.

On the issue of Akalis’ claims that they had started 200 units of free power to poor and dalits, he reminded them that it was the Congress government which had started it and they (the Akalis) had stopped it. It was only at the fag-end of their tenure that they restored it after Congress pressure, he pointed out.

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Ms Gandhi’s Moga visit cancelled due to bad weather

MOGA, January 19: Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi’s visit to Moga was today cancelled due to bad weather. In her message announced at the rally by the party in-charge for Punjab Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, she said, she was sorry that she could not make it to the rally due to the bad weather.

However, Ms Gandhi promised, she will ensure to come and meet the people of Punjab who have suffered violence and excesses at the hands of the Akali-BJP government in Punjab during the last five years. She told them to stand firm and united and ensure that the Congress came to power in the state.

The Congress President in her message to the party workers said, she and the entire senior leadership of the party was with them and will provide all kind of support needed to ensure to bring party back to power in the state. She said, the worst was over and it was matter of few days more when the people of Punjab will have a friendly government led by the Congress unlike the current one which has victimized people all over.
Tens of thousands of people had gathered here in the new grain market to listen to their leader. Despite severe cold people had started coming since morning and by 12 o’clock the entire venue was crammed to capacity.
Acknowledging the people’s support, the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh expressed his apologies to them for the inability of the Congress President to reach there. He said, since the security and well being of Ms Gandhi was more important than anything else, it was not advisable to fly in the bad weather. He said, he had conveyed their sentiments to her as how they waited since morning in this biting cold to listen to her and that had made her more keen to come over.
Capt Amarinder said, she told him to convey to the people that she will ensure to come to Punjab and meet and speak to them. He said, she was quite keen to come to Moga but was advised against flying in the bad weather.
Among others present on the occasion included Sangrur MP Vijay Inder Singla, who was the in-charge of the rally, party contestants Joginder Pal Jain from Moga, Darshan Brar from Bhaga Purana, Kaka Lohgarh from Dharamkote, Avtar Brar from Faridkote, Ripjit Brar from Kotkapura, Joginder Singh from Jaitu, Naresh Kataria from Zira, Bibi Harchand Kaur from Mehal Kalan, Ajit Singh Shant from Nihal Singh Wala, Isher Singh Meharban from Jagaraon and Mohd Sidique from Bhadaur.
Besides, senior party leaders including Punjab Mahila Congress president Dr Malti Thapar, Moga District President Ms Jagdarshan Kaur, Muktsar President Gurdas Girdhar, Inderjit Zira and Vijay Sathi, and others were also present on the occasion.

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Our members are already aware of the vigorous action initiated by us to prevent the distribution/use of drugs, liquor and money power during the recent SGPC Elections. In fact a large number of likeminded Sikh organisations (nearly 100 in number) joined in and supported us in establishing Monitoring Committees in each district of Punjab. Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha played a stellar roll in this campaign. Eminent lawyers such as Senior Supreme Court Lawyer S. Harvinder Singh Phoolka and Senior High Court Lawyer S. Navkiran Singh played a leading and active part in this sustained campaign.

Sardar H S Phoolka and Giani Kewal Singh Ji have now launched a campaign titled “Civil Society Against of Drugs” to awaken the public to the menace of drugs and their distribution during the coming elections. This is indeed a continuation of the previous campaign. The whole of Punjab and its major towns and rural areas have been already covered by the activists who walked through towns and villages awakening the public to this vicious menace.

The last lap starts from Jallandhar on Sat 21st Jan 2012 and the Group arrives at GURUDWARA SAHIB, SOHANA ( AKAL ASHRAM) at 14:00 Hrs( 2:00 Pm) on Sun 22nd Jan 2012.

The ISC has organized for it’s members to join the March Against Drugs at Gurdwara Sahib ( AKAL ASHRAM) at 2 PM on Sun 22nd Jan. Other such organisations such as Institute of Sikh Studies and Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha are also joining.

We will all march on foot through Mohali Town from 3 to 5 PM.
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Congress appoints 5 acting presidents

They include Gurmeet Pahra for Gurdaspur, Kanwaljit Singh lally for Jalandhar Rural, Kuldeep Kumar Nanda for Hoshiarpur, Major Singh Bhaini for Ludhiana Rural and Davinder Singh Darshi for Pathankot.
Besides, the party has appointed Campaign Committees for various districts which are as under:District Campaign Committee

Sr. No.

District

Designation

Name

1

Gurdaspur

Chairman

Kanwal Bakshi

Co-Chairman

Sushila Mahajan

Co-ordinator

Satnam Singh Nijjer

Secretary

Ravinder Sharma

Secretary

Joginder Singh Chhina

Secretary

Ajay Verma

Secretary

Nitin Sharma

Pathankot

Chairman

Ramesh Tola

Co-Chairman

Anil Vij

Co-ordinator

Rumal Chand

Secretary

Sukhdev wadhera

Secretary

Brij Mohan Puri

2

Amritsar (R)

Chairman

S. S. Kathunangal

Co-Chairman

Bhupinder Randhawa

Co-ordinator

Inderjit Singh Basarke

Secretary

Parminder Singh Sandhu

Secretary

Jagroop Singh Ruby

3

Amritsar (U)

Chairman

Harjinder Singh Thekedar

Co-Chairman

Yoginder Pal Dhingra

Co-Chairman

Gurjit Singh Gumtala

Co-ordinator

Kuku Sharma

Secretary

Navdeep Singh Goldy

Secretary

Dinesh Bassi

Secretary

Mamta Dutta

Secretary

Surinder Shinda

Secretary

Surbhi Verma

4

Tarn Taran

Chairman

Gurminder Singh Rataul

Co-Chairman

Bhupinder Singh Bittu

Co-ordinator

Maninder Singh Patti

Co-ordinator

Jagtar Singh Burj

Secretary

Pinderjit Singh Sarli

Secretary

Gurdev Singh Bittu

5

Kapurthala

Chairman

Joginder Singh Mann

Co-Chairman

Capt. Harminder Singh

Co-Chairman

Mohan Lal Sood

Co-ordinator

Prof. Charan Singh

Secretary

SohanLal Banga

6

Jalandhar (R)

Chairman

Rajanbir Singh

Co-Chairman

Gurdial Singh Sabharwal

Co-Chairman

Tirth Ram Sandhu

Co-Chairman

Hardev Singh Laddy

Co-ordinator

Rana Rajinder Singh Randhawa

Secretary

Dr. Ram Lal Jassi

Secretary

Ch. Gurmail Singh

7

Jalandhar (U)

Chairman

Vijay Khullar

Co-Chairman

Manoj Kumar Arora

Co-ordinator

Gurpreet Singh Dhesi

Secretary

Manjinder Singh Chaudhary

Secretary

Rajnish Sahota

8

Hoshiarpur

Chairman

Davinder Singh Jattpur

Co-Chairman

...

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Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today promised that once Congress comes to power in Punjab it will set up three cancer hospitals, six medical colleges and six drug de-addiction centres in the Malwa region. He also reiterated that the Congress will provide highly subsidized aata-daal to the poor and will continue with the free power to the agriculture sector.
Addressing a public meeting here today, Capt Amarinder asked the people to draw their own comparisons between the five year rule of the Akali-BJP government between 2001 and 2012 with that of the Congress between 2002 and 2007. “You are the better judges and time has come for you to make the right judgment”, he told them while appealing them to ensure that Congress forms the government in the state.
Lashing out at the Akali-BJP government for its all round failure, he asked the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal to spell out which development they had done and where. He pointed out, the bullet trains shown in the newspapers advertisements were those from Japan and the skyscrapers were from Manhattan in the United States.
He asked Sukhbir, “tell us where in Punjab are you running those bullet trains and where are those skyscrapers being shown in your advertisements”. He said, there was nothing new in these lies as the Akalis particularly the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister were in the habit of telling lies.
He said, in the same way the father-son duo were spreading lies and telling people that when Congress comes to power it will stop aata-daal scheme and free power to farmers. He said, the aata-daal scheme will be improved and further subsidy provided to the poor. Besides, he pointed out, it was the Congress which had introduced free power to farmers and there was no question of it being withdrawn as the state is committed to ensure that till the farmers do not get remunerative prices for their crops they have to be compensated.
The former Chief Minister said, the Akali-BJP government had pushed the state to bankruptcy and the treasuries had virtually been locked since there was no money available. He revealed that bill to the tune of Rs 2000 crores were pending payment since the government did not have money.
Sitting MLA and the party candidate from Faridkote Avatar Singh Brar also spoke on the occasion.
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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER (CEO), PUNJAB

Chandigarh, January 18

Acting tough against the complaints regarding involvement of some officials of state government in political activities during the ongoing assembly elections, the State Election Commission today transferred three officers while another one has been placed under suspension.
Disclosing this today the Special Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Mrs Usha R Sharma, said that following a complaint Pradeep Jaiswal a Trust Engineer of Amritsar Improvement Trust has been shifted to Pathankot. Likewise she said that Block Development and Panchayat Officer of Chogaawan Ashok Kumar has been shifted to Chandigarh headquarter and accountant Jasvir Kaur has been handed over his charge. In the same manner Mrs Sharma said that Sulkhan Singh a Lecturer of Political Science at Government Senior Secondary School Harchowal in Gurdaspur district has also been transferred to Rurki Khaas near Garh Shankar and a charge sheet has been issued to him. She also said that Paramjeet Kaur a multi purpose Health Worker posted at PHC in Kot Isse Khan has been placed under suspension and her headquarter has been shifted to Ferozepur.
Taking cognizance of a news report regarding a road which was being constructed in violation of Model Code of conduct in Lambi assembly segment, she said that they have asked the Deputy Commissioner of Muktsar to immediately get the work stopped. Mrs Sharma also revealed that owing to the vigilance of the Election Commission the Police has referred around Rs 24.94 crore to the Income Tax Department. Likewise she said that by Tuesday 2144 kilograms (kg) of Poppy Husk, 1,00,87,212 milliliters of illicit liquor, 1,00,752 bottles of country wine and 9083 grams of Opium has been recovered by the Police during a special drive initiated by them. Mrs Sharma said that the CEO office has received 1890 complaints pertaining to the violation of the Model Code of Conduct in the state out of which 880 have been resolved.
She further revealed that in these assembly elections 4,13,144 new voters, out of which 2,73,434 male and 1,39,710 female, between the age group of 18-19 years would exercise their franchise for the first time. Mrs Sharma said that in total 1,76,83, 582 voters of the state would cast their votes in coming polls out of which 93,22,555 are male and 83,61,027 are female. She said that out of the total 117 assembly segments of state the number of female voters has surpassed that of males in only Bholath assembly segment where the number of female voters is 59,321 whereas that of males is 59,020. The officer also revealed that Gill assembly segment of Ludhiana is having highest number of voters wiz 1,94,331 whereas Amloh Assembly segment of district Fatehgarh Sahib has lowest number of voters wiz 1,13,952.
In the same manner Mrs Sharma said that Dina Nagar assembly segment of Gurdaspur district is having 3155 service voters which is the largest in the state whereas Atam Nagar assembly segment in Ludhiana is having minimum number of service voters wiz 16. She also said that this time 93 women candidates are in electoral fray out of which 45 are trying their luck as independent candidates. Mrs Sharma also revealed that this time 417 independent candidates are contesting elections in the state out of which 372 are male. Talking about the number of polling stations across the state she said that Nakodar assembly constituency of Jalandhar district is having 238 polling booths which is maximum in the state whereas Amritsar Central assembly constituency is having 118 polling booths which is the lowest in the state.

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Congress government to set up commission to investigate vendetta cases: Capt Amarinder

PATTI (TARN TARAN), January 18

: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today announced that the next Congress government will set up a commission of inquiry to look into and investigate each and every case of vendetta against the party workers and hold the guilty accountable be they the Akali leaders or the police officials. He reiterated that the Congress government will also improve the aata-daal scheme by providing further subsidy to the poor as also provide free power to farmers.

Addressing an impressive public meeting organised here today, Capt Amarinder lashed out at the Akali-BJP government in the state for having let lose a reign of terror on the Congress workers and having indulged into the worst type of corruption. He pointed out, the Akalis did not spare anything ranging from sand mining to cable business. “Name anything and they have grabbed it”, he remarked.
Having a dig at the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal for seeking a fifth chance, he asked, what has been his achievement during four terms. He said, people of Punjab made him Chief Minister four times and he has not a single achievement to his credit. Advising Mr Badal to retire, he said, a man who cannot remember his own age cannot be expected to do any good to Punjab. He pointed out, the Chief Minister was not sure as how old he was and he was dreaming of getting a fifth term.
Capt Amarinder asked Mr Badal to list a single achievement during his four times for which he could be remembered. Instead, he said, he organised sangat darshans wasting precious money which could be used as matching grants for various centrally sponsored schemes and programmes particularly those under 16 flagship programmes of the government of India.
The PCC President promised that the Congress government will improve the education and healthcare system to make it more affordable. He said, Punjab was growing in two ways, those who can afford best education and healthcare and those who cannot. He said, “we need to provide best education and best healthcare to those who cannot afford it”.
The former Chief Minister said, Punjab needed investment and for that an investment friendly atmosphere was needed to be created. He said, 900 industrial units had already moved out of Punjab during the last four years. “We need to build up their confidence so that they stay back”, he said, while adding, this was important for economy and employment generation.
He appealed to people to vote for the party candidate Harminder Singh Gill to ensure that Congress forms the government in the state.
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SUKHBIR OFFERS ‘CONDUCTED TOUR’ TO AMARINDER AND HIS ENTOURAGE TO SHOWCASE PUNJAB’S DEVELOPMENT

FOND OF LIVING OUTSIDE PUNJAB IN DUBAI AND OTHER COUNTRIES, AMARINDER OBLIVIOUS OF ACCELERATED DEVELOPMENT IN PUNJAB

REGRETS AMARINDER TERMING HIS LEADERS AS SALEABLE COMMODITIES

Chandigarh, January 18

Mr. Sukhbir Singh Badal President Shiromani Akali Dal and candidate for Jalalabad constituency today offered to take PPCC Chief Amarinder Singh and his entourage to conducted tour of Punjab to showcase the development works accomplished by SAD-BJP government during last five years as Amarinder was oblivious of development activity, being busy touring Dubai and other countries along with his ‘friends’.

In a statement issued here, Mr. Badal said that Amarinder was always airborne on helicopter and never moved on road to even address the rallies of Congress candidates. Capt should move out of his Moti Mehal by road to witness the development of the state. He said that during his term as Chief Minister he became a ‘visiting Chief Minister’ and paid hurried monthly visits to fulfil his visa obligations and during last five years he enjoyed the warm whether in his Dubai villa along with his ‘friends’. He said that it was matter of great shame that a Former Chief Minister aiming for another term does not know even the names of towns of Punjab.

Offering to take media along with this conducted tour, Mr. Badal said that he would offer to start the conducted tour from Moti Mahal Patiala and move according to the tour plan laid out by PPCC Chief according to his own choice. He said that only a blind person can proclaim that no work on thermal plants has started but according to him they would produce electricity within six months. He said that Rs. 20 thousand crore Bathinda refinery working on full throttle, giving employment to 37 thousand Punjab youth, was not visible to Amarinder Singh. He said that only a blind can say that 154 Fard Kendras have not computerised the more than 2 crore land records of Punjab. He said that only Amarinder can say that Rs. 6989 crore have not been spent on road infrastructure of the state.

Regretting Amarinder terming loyal Congress leaders as saleable commodities, Mr. Badal said that Mahatama Gandhi must be turning in his graves on Former Congress Chief Minister terming his former MLAs and Ministers as ‘Bekau Mall”. He advised that don’t denigrate your leaders who are raising fingers on you for accepting 4 to 7 crores for each ticket and ignoring loyal Congress workers for money bags.
Reiterating alliance agenda of seeking votes on the account of development initiatives of SAD-BJP government, Mr. Badal said that a repeat mandate was must to continue the pace of development of the state. He said that if people of Bihar were wise enough to repeat the mandate for NDA government, same was expected from wise electorate of Punjab. He regretted the negative campaign launched by Congress party with a focus theme that no development has taken place during last five years and said that Amarinder cannot be blamed for this blind approach as he remained away from state for last10 years.
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Harsimrat for gender budgeting to ensure equitable distribution of resource to women

Chandigarh, January 18: Mrs.Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Member Parliament has today appealed to the Shromani Akali Dal and BJP to focus on women empowerment while drafting their manifestos and commit to the burning issues concerning women of Punjab in general and country in particular. She has suggested gender budgeting of each department so that women should get equal share in the development budget and other resources.
In a communiqué to Manifesto drafting Committee headed by Sardar S.S Dhindsa, MP, Mrs. Badal said that SAD manifesto should commit to Zero tolerance on female foeticide and female infanticide and vow to to get rid of stigma faced by Punjab. Besides bringing attitudinal change in the people the manifesto should express commitment of the Party to enforce PNDT Act strongly. She also suggested making provision for
Mandatorily disclosure of sex of foetus, so that premature abortion of female foetus could be checked.

Stressing upon the need for Special drive to provide extra nutrition to pregnant women Mrs. Badal said that Manifesto should also provide for special preventive measures for cancer among women and ensure free treatment for rural urban poor women patients.
Focusing on Drugs free Punjab , Mrs. Badal said that Manifesto
should commit to Zero tolerance on drugs. She said that to encourage women in sports a Special drive should be launched for sports for girls and this could be partly done by recruitment of women coaches for sports in schools.
Stressing on increasing employability of women, Mrs. Badal said that manifesto should commit for Special skill development program for women and increasing there share in government employment.

She said that Manifesto should commit for Safety and security of women and also commit for Zero tolerance on crime against women like : a She said that party should recommend deterrent punishment for crime against women especially for acid attack, rape.

She said that to encourage couples to opt for female child,Rs.5000/- should be paid on birth of girl child and Rs.15,000/- FIXEDDEPOSIT when she goes to class 5th and 10th.
She also suggested to widen the ambit of Mai Bhago Bicycles scheme to also include class 9th and 10th students. She also said free school buses should be introduced in villages to ferry girl students.

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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ELECTORAL OFFICER, PUNJAB--establishing their identity before casting their votes.

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 17:

The Election Commission of India has directed that all electors in each of the 117 Assembly Constituencies in Punjab, for the general election shall produce their EPIC for establishing their identity before casting their votes.

A spokesman of CEO Punjab said that Electors who do not have EPIC shall have to produce the ‘Authenticated Photo Voter Slip’ issued by the election machinery for identification in the polling stations.
He said that those electors whose photographs are not available in the electoral roll they shall have to produce any of the following photo documents for establishing their identity.

He said that these alternative documents includes Passport, Driving License, Income Tax Identity (PAN) Card, Service Identity Cards having photograph, issued to its employees by State/Central Government, Public Sector Undertakings, Local Bodies or Public Limited Companies, passbook with Photograph issued by Public Sector Banks/Post Office and Kisan Passbook (Accounts opened on or before 31-12-2011),SC/ST/OBC certificate issued by competent authority with photograph issued on or 31-12-2011, Pension Documents such as ex-servicemen’s Pension Book/Pension Payment Order, ex-servicemen’s Widow/Dependent Certificates, Old Age Pension Order, Widow Pension Order with photograph (issued on or before 31-12-2011), Freedom Fighter Identity Card with photograph. Arms Licenses with photograph, issued on or before 31-12-2011,Certificate of Physical Handicap with photograph issued by the Competent Authority on or before 31-12-2011,Health Insurance Scheme Smart Card with photograph (Ministry of Labour’s Scheme), issued up to 31-12-2011,Property Document with Photograph such as pattas, Registered Deeds, etc. Job Cards with photograph under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme issued on or before 31-12-2011, Authenticated ‘Photo Voter Slip’ issued by Election Machinery.

He said that overseas electors who are registered in the electoral rolls under Section 20A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 based on the particulars in their passport, shall be identified on the basis of their original passport only (and no other identity document) in the polling station.

CHANDIGARH, JANUARY 17
On the directions of CEO Punjab, The Punjab Government has cancelled the 91 days earned leave of Mohamad Mustafa IPS (ADGP) and asked him to join the office immediately. In case he does not join disciplinary action will be initiated against him.
Disclosing this here today a spokesman of the CEO Punjab said that a notice has been issued to the SAD candidate Darbara Singh Guru for not taking permission to install loud speakers at a rally held near Government Primary School Dhilwan.

He said that the expenditure monitoring teams have referred 320 cases to the income tax where the total cash involved is approximately Rs 22 crores of which Rs 10 crore 64 lakhs has been seized, some amount is still under process.
He said that Inspector Manjit Singh has been posted as SHO Chamkaur Sahib in place of Inspector Gurtej Singh. Besides that Piara Singh Excise and Taxation Officer has also been transferred to Jalandhar. He said that a panel has been sought from DGP, Punjab to replace DSP Malout.
Spokesman further said that CEO has received 1770 complaints regarding the violation of Model code of conduct, out of which 820 have been resolved. He said that 1, 82,615 Licensed arms have been deposited and 48 Unlicensed arms and 159 cartridges have been seized so far. Besides that 4427 persons have been bound down under the section 107/116 of IPC and 8411 nonmalleable warrants have been executed. He said that 4 truck loads of election material relating to congress party was intercepted and impounded by the Mohali police as some of the printed material did not have the name of the printer/manufacturer on it.

Reiterating that the Congress government in the state will continue to provide subsidized aata-daal to poor and free power to agricultural sector, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President Capt Amarinder Singh today said that it will provide further subsidies under the National Food Security Act which has already been approved by the Union Cabinet and will soon become a law.

Addressing a well attended public meeting here today, Capt Amarinder said, the Chief Minister Mr Parkash Singh Badal and the Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal were spreading lies and rumours by saying that the Congress will stop free power and aata-daal scheme. He said, it was their sheer frustration to create fear among the people as they had realized that nothing was going to stop the Congress form coming to power and hence they were using these mean tactics and spreading lies.
Justifying the food subsidy, he said, Mr Badal was not paying from his own pocket for the aata-daal scheme as it was the government of India policy. He said, it was the responsibility of all the governments and the Akalis had not done anything special. Elaborating further, he said, once the Food Security Act becomes a law, which it will become very soon, the food subsidy will be increased further and deserving people will get the aata-daal on lower prices than claimed to be provided by the Akali government.
On the issue of free power to agriculture sector, he reminded both the senior as well as junior Badal that it was Congress which had started free power to farmers and it will continue to do that. “You made a mockery of it as you never provided them (the farmers) adequate power”, he told the father-son duo while pointing out as how farmers were left in lurch as they could not get even two hour power supply against the daily and regular eight hour supply during the Congress government.
Making a fervent appeal to people to vote for Congress, he told them, they should themselves compare the two regimes one of the Akalis between 2007 and 2012 and the other of the Congress between 2002 and 2007. “You have everything before yourself and you decide”, he told them.
Questioning the claims of development by the Akalis he asked them to spell out one single achievement. “Yes their main achievement is to have added seven lakh more families to the already thirteen lakh existing families living below the poverty line”, he pointed out, while adding, development does not mean that there are more poor people which the Akalis have done.
Capt Amarinder said, while Punjab was getting poorer day by day, the Badals were getting richer after grabbing the sand and gravel mining, the liquor business, the transport business, the cable operations and everything they thought will earn them money. “This is the most corrupt and incompetent government in the history of Punjab”, he said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms Ambika Soni asked the people to judge for themselves as what the Akalis had done and what Congress had done before that. She pointed out, during the Congress regime there was an investment friendly atmosphere prevailing everywhere. But now, people are afraid of investing in Punjab due to the situation created by the Akali-BJP government.
She said, the Akalis had also grabbed the media and established their exclusive monopoly over it which was quite undemocratic. Ms Soni asked people not to get misled again and not to repeat the same mistake they had committed in 2007.
Asserting that only Congress could provide a stable, firm and progressive government she quoted the examples of the states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana where people have continuously reposed their faith in the Congress. She hoped that in the same manner they will repose their faith in Congress in Punjab as well and see the results for themselves.
Among others who spoke on the occasion included the local MP Ravneet Singh Bittu, the Congress candidate from Kharar Jagmohan Singh Kang, his supporters Rajbir Singh Padiala, Inderjeet Singh Randhawa, Balbir Sidhu, Charanjit Singh Channi and others.